We Are Not Like All Other Nations. Period. We Are Jews!

Stop everything! Yes, simply stop everything and think about these words: "I am a Jew!" Repeat it again and again – "I am a Jew!" Let the feeling of happiness fill you. How fortunate you are to be part of this special nation!

Throughout the Torah we find references to our special relationship with Hashem, a relationship that is maintained even when we are at our lowest points. Even when we were almost lost in the Egyptian exile, Hashem heard our cries and redeemed us with open miracles and wonders.

This has been true throughout our history. We have never been great in number but our greatness of spirit is undeniable. Even after enduring unspeakable tortures, we rise again to illuminate the world, never despairing, never surrendering, always holding on to the consciousness of our Divine mission.

How does it make sense that such a tiny nation, its members scattered among cruel peoples seeking to destroy us, survives against all odds? It's not something that can be understood with logic. This is undoubtedly Hashem's intervention.

The Jewish People is compared to an olive, the only fruit that starts out hard and bitter but when crushed, produces pure and fine oil, which floats above all other liquids, radiates light, improves thinking, and has so many other wonderful properties!