GAM ATEM – Choose Life Above Nature

Today is October 7. I choose to live above nature. Are you distracted, swayed and lured by your animal instincts? We have free will, but the lines get blurred with influence, fun and appearances. Above nature literally means that we have a choice to go deep within ourselves and trust our journey, and that we are always protected and loved by our creator. I feel blessed to feel this all the time.

Gam Atem means, also all of you. We just had a month of powerful Jewish holidays. Starting with Rosh Hashana, we go through Yom Kippur, Sukkot and finish on Hoshana Raba. We pray, we return to our source, and embrace a new year of growth . Then there is a pause, especially in CHUL, outside of Israel. Shemini Atzeret, like Shabbat is stopping everything, connecting deeper and even revealing a part of ourselves that we have never met before. We culminate with joy and dancing on Simchat Torah. Although the Solar and Lunar dates are different this year, October 7, 2023 was on Simchat Torah. I was in Los Angeles, not connected to any devices, as is the Orthodox way to celebrate Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. I started to hear the most horific stories about what was unfolding in Israel, nobody knew exactly what was going on. I thought to myself, this sounds like the Holocaust, now the world will open their eyes.

Rabbi Zajac from SOLA told a story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shemini Atzeret being asked to reveal a deeper part of himself, and he answered, GAM ATEM! We all have godliness, we have a spark, and it’s up to us to allow a new light to absorb and emerge.

In a world that demands you wear a mask, take it off.

Everything is upside down, not the same.

Jew hatred is a disease.

So many play victim and blame.

The best thing to do is focus within.

Shine your light bright.

The masses will not win, 

When a Jew is proud and ready to fight.

Fight for our ancestors and our descendants,

Connect to the source and learn who you are,

We are the light onto the nations,

Once we unite,  we will raise the bar.

Humanity wants a leader,

Jews have to act the part.

Choose your mission and purpose,

When will you start?

On a personal note, as I listen to voices and feelings about October 7, it is interesting that three years later, every hostage is out, that is the only difference. We are still mourning our loved ones, our people, our nation that was brutally attacked. The world response is what shocked and hurt even more.

As we all go through the ups and downs of life, the only reality is Torah and our community. Stay grounded, trust everything is for the good, and you will get through. One of my favorite phrases is, everything is figureoutable. As I am sharing with you, I am talking to myself. This glimpse into reality and the bigger picture is what brings strength and peace.

Usually my thoughts flow through, but today I am at a loss for words. One of my good friends and business partners lost many friends in the war. Today he was talking to me through tears, and I cannot even imagine watching your friends fight with you, and then they are gone. Whether it is in combat or afterwards the mental health needs are not met soon enough.

The mental health of our soldiers that sacrifice for Jews all over the world deserves more, and that is my vision and mission. God willing, systems will be in place, no more waiting lists, and most importantly saving lives by suicide prevention.

What gives me hope is the revealed miracles right in front of our eyes. Fly Dubai had so many puzzle pieces that aligned in order for the plane to land safely and not one person died! The flight number was 1073, October 7, three years!

God’s Plan.

NOT UP TO US.

I Feel Peace in the Unknown.

Baruch Hashem

Am Yisrael Chai