Rabbi’s Shabbat Message

Bronze over Silver. But Gold for Bibi!

In the wee hours of the morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful address to a joint meeting of Congress in Washington. The 55 minute speech, Bibi’s fourth since 1996, was a no-nonsense summation of the harrowing chapter Israel has faced since October 7.

Love him or hate him, his success is our success. In this historic speech, Bibi stood up and reminded the world and our closest allies that “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.” Unapologetic straight talk. This is the Netanyahu that Israelis love and miss. The defiant leader we can trust with our eyes closed.

Many shed tears at the presence of our heroes in the room. Just the thought of Noa Argemani, coming from the living nightmare of captivity in Gaza, to the US Congress. Jonathan Ben Hamo, who lost his leg in battle, and the grandfather of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, received a standing ovation, for all the world to see, from a room of the most powerful people in America.

But more than anything, this momentous hour gave us all a sense of hope and clarity, amidst the mayhem and confusion we too often hear from the Hague or the UN. I hope today offered a healthy dose of pride and unity. Regardless of your politics, only by standing together can we overcome the challenges we face.

This Shabbos is the official kick off for the 33rd summer Olympic Games in Paris, with the city of lights hosting a lavishly ambitious Opening Ceremony show which for the first time in Olympic history will take place outside a stadium setting. Over the next few weeks we will witness dreams come true and dreams crumble – the agony and ecstasy played out in real time.

Imagine spending years training, focusing and preparing to compete at the Olympics. You have worked incredibly hard, made sacrifices and dreamt of your moment on the world stage. But you also know that only one person can win Olympic gold in your event and chances are, it just won’t be you. Fear not – there are two other medals up for grabs – silver and bronze.

Which would you rather win?

In a recent study, Dr. Victoria Medvec examined the reactions of Olympic silver and bronze medallists, assessing their state of mind. The study showed that bronze medallists tend to be happier than silver. Interestingly, third place trumps second. This seems very strange; surely it makes logical sense that competitors would be happier with a silver medal rather than a bronze?

Not so. The answer lies in our focus and perspective. The silver medallist thinks, “I almost won gold and was so close to being the Olympic champion, but missed out and lost.” Whereas the bronze medallist reflects, “I was almost out of medal contention, almost awarded nothing, but I won!” It’s all a matter of perspective. Often the silver medallist can’t help but focus on the achievement that might have been. The bronze medallist celebrates the achievement that has been.

We don’t need a fancy sport psychologists to tell us that in life, the value of your ‘medal’ depends on your mentality. We already have access to the best “psychologist” known to man; the timeless gift of our Torah predates all ancient Olympiads by millennia. Within, we learn so many life lessons including viewing life’s wins through a positive prism.

A special shout out to one Olympian in particular, our very own Central Family member, decorated Olympian and world champion Jessica Fox – the best slalom canoeist in the world. She was chosen to be one of two Australian flag bearers in the opening ceremony. A French born Australian Jew, living her dream at the Paris Olympic Games. The good news keeps coming, Jessica’s younger sister Noemi Fox has also qualified to represent Australia and will be competing in her first ever Olympics.

Kol Hakavod to the whole Fox mishpachah including their mother and coach, Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi.
There are another 88 brave and talented athletes in our prayers. The Israeli Olympic Team. Unlike any other competing nation, Israeli athletes have been subjected to death threats. Some go so far as to vow to repeat the massacre at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

May all the athletes along with their staff enjoy safety and success in Paris! We are so proud of you all!
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Levi and Chanie