Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 13 Iyar, 5785
Day 28 of the Omer

Good morning! It is a new week, and we are wrapping up the theme of endurance and victory this week.  We close it out with the “Dignity” of Endurance. The definition of dignity is: “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.”

I believe the deepest most fundamental question surrounds us in this; “Do we believe we are worthy of honor and respect in our role as….”  A mother (Happy Mother’s Day), a son, a friend, a lover, a colleague, a supervisor, a human.

Until this question is answered? We will endure suffering. Once we answer this question? We will simply endure.

What are your thoughts?

Here are my thoughts from last year:

Good morning! Today is Day 28 of the Omer! Today’s Theme is the “Dignity of Endurance” – From Chabad:

Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Endurance that encompasses the previous six qualities is indeed a tribute and testimony to the majesty of the human spirit.

Is my endurance dignified? Does it bring out the best in me? When faced with hardships do I behave like a king or queen, walking proudly with my head up, confident in my G‑d-given strengths, or do I cower and shrivel up in fear?

Exercise for the day: Fight for a dignified cause.

What I love about this is the connection between dignity and sovereignty. We discussed earlier the definition of dignity: “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.”

How does this connect to “sovereignty?” There are many definitions as it relates to nation states. My favorite definition as it relates to this topic is; “an autonomous state” or “freedom from external control.”

The idea of endurance is the locus of control. Are we enduring because of an external control, or are we enduring and strong because we believe WE are worthy of honor and respect – free from external control? This is the Dignity of Endurance.