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What is in your pocket right now? Keys? Your phone? A note? Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Poland (1776- 1827) is known for saying that everyone must have two pockets and a note in each pocket. In one pocket, the note should read “For my sake the world was created,” and in the other pocket, the note should read “I am but dust and ashes.”  He said when feeling uncertain, discouraged and low, one should reach into the right pocket and find the words, “For my sake, the world was created,” and when one is feeling high and mighty one should read the humbling words “I am but dust and ashes.”

 To be the best versions of ourselves, Rabbi Simcha Bunim reminds us to find a balance. We cannot connect to others if we are so low and so hard on ourselves and at the same time, if we are so self-focused, it can get in our way of connecting with others. 

May we continue to reach into our pockets to find the support and reminders we need to be humble, confident individuals set on making the world a better place. 

 Cantor Lilah Sugarman