A plea for self-reflection

Letters

This letter was sent by Jordan Gutovich to the graduating students (his former classmates) of Shalhevet school in Los Angeles. Jordan attended Shalhevet but entered a yeshivah in Jerusalem two years before graduating. He is the son of former Vancouver residents Jeffrey and Fraida Gutovich, who now live in Los Angeles.

To my friends and classmates of the graduating class of 2002,

Four years ago, I didn't expect to be writing to you to wish you the best on your graduation. I expected to be with you all, graduating along side of you. I'm sorry I'm going to miss this momentous occasion.

This past year, while in Israel, I have had a lot of time to think about things, think about us. I just want to take a few moments to share with you some of my thoughts and feelings about life and growing up.

High school is over. We all know it's now time to really start thinking about the path we each are going to take in life, the things that interest us and the things at which we feel we are good.

Take a second with me to step out of American society, out of the American dream. The future in which you see yourself living, your job, your house, your car, is it one based on your desire to contribute to society? Or is it one that looks righteous but only hides a desire for luxury, wealth and easy living?

Friends, I have come to learn that each of us is unique, imbued with our own abilities and strengths. Hashem created us differently because we all have different tasks to fulfil. Perhaps you are thinking about a profession because it pays well, but you know you are excellent at something else. For example, you're thinking of going into law, "make the big bucks," but you know you could be a great teacher. But you still think pursuing a career in law is the right thing for you. "Teaching doesn't pay so well," you tell yourself. You're doing an injustice to yourself and to the people you could possibly be touching as an educator somewhere down the line. This is just one scenario, I'm sure you can think of others.

What I am trying to say is, don't sell out on yourselves, on your abilities and talents. Pursue a career that you think will help you become the best person you can be and that will also enable you to affect others in a positive way. Don't trade in happiness for money. Don't trade in your talents or strengths because something pays well. Remember the saying, "One hundred and twenty years from now, people are not going to remember the car I drove, the house I lived in. My life will be remembered because I made a difference in the life of a child." Make a difference!

The year I have spent in Israel has been one not only of growth as a Jew but also one of a maturing experience as a young man. Through learning Torah and being with a great group of guys and teachers, I feel I am more in tune with who I am, what my goals are, what direction I think I want to take in life. I plan on spending another year at Sha'alvim, but I know that when I come back to America and continue my education at Yeshivah University, I will have a solid Israel experience to build on. My two years here will help shape my future as a Jew and as a fellow human being.

As the leaders of tomorrow, you should know that the country needs you. I know the situation is not great and the news from here is probably very scary, but you are needed. Your support for the Jewish state is needed. Do yourselves a favor, do Am Yisrael a favor, somewhere down the line, be it next year or maybe a little later in your lives, take off for a little and come experience a year of learning in your homeland. It's a favor to yourself because you will grow in many different ways, a favor to Israel because you will help its economy, a favor to Am Yisrael because your growth as a Jew will help strengthen the Jewish people. Check yourselves, make sure your goals are proper ones. Hopefully, one of your goals is to help your people, to help Am Yisrael.

We have learned together that our sages teach that every letter in the Torah represents a Jewish soul. Everyone knows the halachah that if one letter is missing, or written improperly, the Torah is unfit for use. So it is with our people. If one Jewish soul is missing from Am Yisrael, then the Jewish people are considered lacking. Don't doubt that you can make a difference for Israel, for its people, for our future as a nation. All of us are so important!

I am sure all of you will give Hashem, your parents and the rest of your families so much naches (pride) at graduation. Stand tall and proud as you walk down the aisle. I will be thinking of you.

I am sure we will meet somewhere down the line. Who knows when and where. And when we do, it will be sweet.

Best of wishes and warmest regards from your friend,

Jordan (Chai Shai) Gutovich
Jerusalem

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