Don’t stop dreaming

Rabbi Ari Kievman

Chabad Goodness and Kindness Centre

Parsha Vaetchanan

In the Torah portion of Vaetchanan that we read this week, it describes Moses’ passionate plea to the Almighty to allow him to enter the holy land of Israel. Yet his lifelong dream remained unfulfilled.

Although his desire to reside in the land was not granted, his prayer was partially answered. G-d instructed him to go up to the top of the hill from where he could see the land.

Throughout our lifetime, we each have our own unique dreams and visions of our bright future. Perhaps we envision achieving better grades in school or a successful business venture, some aspire to a more meaningful life, we may have dreams of a perfect relationship with our family…

For one reason or another, as ambitious as we may be, not all of our dreams always come to fruition. Sometimes, whether for reasons beyond our control or even due to our own failures, some of our dreams are shattered and are never realised. There’s a famous Talmudic dictum that no person completes their life with all of their desires fulfilled.

Despite life’s disappointments, it is vital that we never stop dreaming because our dreams express our ambition for life and desire for growth. And that is the genesis of all great achievements. Wherever we dream, that’s where we go.

Though not all of our dreams do materialise, some are realised partially, as Moses saw the land though he didn’t get to enter it and other visions may only be fulfilled by our next of kin as Moses who didn’t get to enter the land, but his disciple Joshua did.

Many elderly people I know lament about many unfulfilled plans. For some, it’s a depressing source of dissatisfaction. I wish I had that magic wand which can make it all alright. But here’s one dream with which I am able to assist and I encourage you to inform any seniors you know to take advantage of.

People wish they had the time over the years to catch up on missed out Torah study. The good news is that retirement years can be utilised for meaningful learning and fulfilling one of our soul’s desires. In addition to stimulating the mind, studying Torah allows us to reconnect with our heritage and endows us with feelings of hope, truth and purpose.

I’m proud to direct Chabad’s Seniors Club that convenes daily, offering lectures on Jewish values and history for elderly people (besides for delicious free meals and other exciting opportunities that we offer).

Of course questions and discussions are welcomed and encouraged. There’s no reason for our dreams to ever die. So here’s one dream you can ensure is fulfilled, namely the desire to quench our soul’s thirst for nourishment, whether at home, or on your phone, be it at shul or even at the pool. Today it’s easier than ever.

May we each take comfort and consolation this Shabbat that we can aspire to great things and at least know that some of them will be fulfilled. Indeed, Nachamu Nachamu Ami – the dream of our ultimate redemption is very much alive. Keep dreaming, but not just in your sleep. Good Shabbos!