BS’D
According to Pirkei Avot (3:18), “… Beloved is the man, for he was created in Hashem’s image…” This lesson is of particular importance for our current generation who is plagued with a lack of self-esteem and self-worth. This Mishnah reinforces the idea that every Jew is precious because we are all created in Hashem’s image. It reminds us to attach ourselves to our G-dly image and our holy task. By focusing on our G-dliness and holiness we can envelop ourselves in comfort and satisfaction.
In contrast, remaining unaware of our G-dliness and greatness may cause us to think less of ourselves and this false self-perception may be damaging. Remaining unaware of our G-dly spark and potential is tragic – it is like a person walking around with an immense treasure but being unaware of her riches.
Not only did Hashem created us in ‘His image’, He also informed us of this gift in order that we direct our lives with this knowledge. The idea of being created in Hashem’s image refers to our ability to deeply contemplate our purpose, to improve and channel our animalistic drives and to freely make decisions that enable us to attach ourselves to Hashem. This knowledge that we were created in the Divine image should motivate us to live up to our greatness and bring out our full potential with a healthy self-awareness and self-worth.
