How to Live a Life of Meaning

In these turbulent months, as we’ve heard heartbreaking and horrifying stories, we are also witnessing unbelievable stories of strength and Jewish heroism. The courage of our soldiers and their commanders, the selfless acts of reservists and home front volunteers, the work of charitable organizations and countless everyday acts of kindness—all reminds us of the light people bring when they give to others. This is how we defeate the darkness.

We hear of soldiers returning to battle after injury, fighting to be at the front lines while risking their lives. Viktor Frankl, founder of logotherapy (in his book "Man's Search for Meaning"), referred to this as "Height Psychology", where he speaks of a spiritual dimension that drives and unleashes hidden unconscious forces, which becomes apparent in such situations. "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how" (Nietzsche). The crisis that struck us has challenged our sense of meaning, our joy in action and creation, and also changed our priorities and our daily routine. It also raised fundamental questions about the meaning of our lives, to the extent that some of the things that we considered important have become irrelevant, and we feel compelled to act with a higher purpose.

Feeling empty can be a wake-up call so that it pushes us to reflect, reassess our direction, and look for new purpose. That search for meaning can lead to a sense of fulfillment. We've seen many people discover incredible inner strength that may never have surfaced if not for the crisis.

One way to create meaning in life is through actions for others, and developing compassion.

An Indian legend goes like this: Years ago, a girl was walking in a village. She suddenly saw a beautiful butterfly caught in the thorns of a rose bush- she released the butterfly, and it flew away. A few minutes later, a beautiful fairy appeared to the girl and said, "You did well by freeing the butterfly and showing it kindness and love. Ask for one wish, and I will fulfill it." The girl asked the fairy, "Teach me to be happy all my life." The fairy whispered something in the girl's ear, and disappeared. From that day on, the girl was happy all her life, and no one knew her secret. When she was old and about to die, the village elders asked her for her secret to happiness. The happy old woman replied, "The fairy told me: 'You will be happy as long as others need you'" (from Professor David Gutman's book, "Have I Missed the Train").

Throughout time, Jewish philosophy has echoed the message and dictated the way to "live for what you are willing to die for" (from Rabbi Akiva, through the Inquisition, to the Holocaust and beyond): Dedication to the people of Israel, the land of Israel, and the Torah of Israel. This is the reason for the existence and survival of the Jewish people. We grow and educate on the verse "Hear, O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One."

How do we discover meaning? What is meaning? Three important components of meaning in life are:

• Am I important and meaningful to others?
• Do I have a purpose in life?
• Do I have a sense of control and management of my life, or am I living it on autopilot?

If you want to truly live, figure out what you're willing to give your life for—what really matters to you. Once you know that, your life will feel full and meaningful, and you'll be able to make the most of it.

Kochi Hazan is a social worker MA, logotherapist, expert in crisis management and resilience building.