“I worry that when I stand before Heavenly Judgement,  they’re not going to ask me ‘Why weren’t you more like Moses?’ or ‘Why weren’t you more like King David?’ But I’m afraid they will ask me ‘Zusha, why weren’t you more like Zusha?’ And then what will I say?!”

-Reb Zusha

So often in our lives we try to emulate others, to be more like someone we look up to or admire, a sports hero, public figure, rock star or historical giant. Reb Zusha’s story suggests that that’s the wrong approach. While we can admire qualities in others, he teaches we should try to be ourselves. We are, each of us,  unique, irreplaceable, one of a kind. As Oscar Wilde famously said: “Be yourself, darling. Everyone else is already taken!”

In my early 20’s, I decided to stop trying to be cool, and to start being myself. And sometimes I still get to be cool, to boot! That path change has made all the difference in my life.

It may or not be that we are put here for a purpose. I choose to believe that we are, and further, that we can define the purpose we wish to serve. The process of serving our unique purpose is discovering who we are, what talents we have or can develop, and what the world needs most. Then if we live our lives at the intersection of those 3 domains; “This is me!” “Here’s what I can do!” and “What does the World need most?”,  we will certainly have impactful, meaningful lives. it starts with being the best “me” we can be.

How can you be deeply yourself today?

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Rabbi Meshulam Zusha of Hanipol (1718–1800),aka Reb Zusha, was an Orthodox rabbi and an early Hasidic luminary. He was one of the great Hassidic Rebbes of the third generation and member of the academy circle of the Maggid of Mezeritch.

Joe Laur is a father, husband, naturalist, executive, consultant, and a lowly rabbinic student. He can be reached at joe.laur@godsdog.net.