It is pretty scary to know how fast time can fly. Six months are gone, just like that. Many people ask me, what are you doing in Yeshiva? Why do you choose spend a year in Israel rather than getting on with your life? These are all valid questions which I hope to try and answer.
Why have you spent six months in Israel?
Simon Sinek came up with a thought provoking theory. He calls it, ‘find the why’. He believes that if you define yourself by what you are doing, or by how you are doing it, you can never be successful in your endeavours. ‘The why’ is the purpose, cause and belief that drives every organization or individual. This is not just a theory that he thought of one morning, there is scientific research behind it.
The Golden Circle is representative of the brain. The outer circle (the what), represents the neocortex; an outer section of our brain responsible for rational and analytical thought. Different to the outer circle, the inner two circles comes to represent the limbic system. The very middle circle is responsible for our decision making which is not explicitly articulated, this is more commonly known as our ‘gut feeling’. This is what drives us to do what we do; therefore, paramount for every successful induvidual.
This is what I have been doing for the past six months of my life. Exploring the why. Why do we observe Shabbat? Why do we put such an emphasis on Talmud? If these questions were to go unanswered, it would be the very basis for a Jewish lifestyle that is set up to fail. One can know what they are doing, they can know how to do it however if they do not know why they are doing it, they are simply building a structure without any foundations.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt?
I am privileged to go to an institution that gives the individual complete autonomy over their day. You can learn what you like, when you like and how you like. Whilst this can be incredibly empowering, it also comes with great responsibility.
Time is invaluable. It is the means in which we measure our lives. Time doesn’t wait for anyone. I have been able to understand the importance of maximising every minute of every day. This was pointed out to me by one of the members of staff who said to me, “everyone has 24 hours, but some people seem to get more out of them”. That made me think; that doesn’t seem fair? Why can that person achieve more than me if we have the same time to achieve?
Technology has its flaws; however, I believe that one its greatest assets is the way that one can use it to maximise their time. For example, listening to audiobooks when you are commuting, the ability to set reminders and schedule easier. We have knowledge on our fingertips and we have the power to exploit it.
If you have the why, the means to achieve the why is by using your priceless time to its fullest extent. This has been my most valuable lesson so far.
What has been your most significant experience?
I find it difficult to narrow it down to one particular experience which has made my year. A plethora of experiences have enhanced my year.
The opportunity to live in Israel has been incredible. You hear stories of how amazing this country is, the oneness, the solidarity and the atmosphere. You can never fully appreciate it until you part of it. I was recently asked, ‘if you had a group of chanichim (kids on camp), what would you show them to value the state of Israel’? I thought to myself that there isn’t one sight or tour that would blow these kids away, but what will blow them away would be to open their eyes and take in their surroundings. By observing the beauty of the land and the care that each person has for each other, they will fully appreciate what we have.
One example of this was when I got on the bus a few weeks ago. I did not have any money on my RavKav (oyster equivalent). The driver said that I should pay the money, I assumed he meant on the spot so I took out some cash. He insisted that I don’t pay now and rather I should pay at my own ease when I am able to. This is an illustration of the trust that exists here which I have yet to experience anywhere else.
Living in Israel is an opportunity that I will be eternally grateful for.
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Yoni was someone who embodied everything that you just read. I have heard multiple times from Yoni’s family members that it was as if Yoni knew he had 19 years. 19 years to change the world. He used every minute of his day to work towards his mission. For Yoni, time was of upmost importance. As well as this, he knew why he was doing what he was doing. You can’t live a life personifying your values the way that Yoni did without knowing why they are your values.
It goes without saying that my experiences so far have been made possible by the YJF and their continued support. I am indebted to them for this incredible opportunity.
Thank you for reading.
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