You Are, Simply, You.

Day 221: "Therefore Was Man Created Singly"

Google defines the word "singly" as one at a time, separately, or individually.

Have you ever felt small? Insignificant? Depressed? Well recently, I've been in that boat. I haven't been too happy with myself, but I feel my personality returning to its former stability each day. Today's section could've caused that 180-degree turn in just a single read.

Today's section emphasizes a bunch of values we've already read and worked on: how humble we should feel, the value of an individual, and  the unity of humans.

Recall for a moment the humbleness we should feel: on one hand we should recognize how valuable we are as human beings. We should look at the world and remember that it was created for our sake. But on the other hand, we should recognize how small we are in the scheme of G-d's plan. We are but ashes and dust. Balance these things out and you realize the standard by which you should be living your life: recognize how awesome you are and all the amazing things you do and you've done but also realize that people came before you and people will come after you. You came from dust and to dust you shall return.

Each individual is a world. By saving a Jewish life, you have saved a world and by [chas v'shalom] killing a Jew, you have destroyed a world. Each individual possess infinite value, infinite awesomeness and deserves an equal amount of respect. This includes you.

Jews are descendants of Abraham, we should see each other as brothers and sisters. However, all people are descendants of Adam. We too are family.

If ever you feel alone, your self-esteem could use a boost, you feel unimportant, remember that you were created singly, individually. You are unique: different than any person who has lived, is living, or will live. You are, simply, you.