Why Every Soul Matters: A Jewish Perspective on Despair and Self-Worth

You Aren't Just Another Piece - You Complete the Puzzle

A broken-hearted Jew once came crying to his rabbi:
“Rabbi, what’s the point of my miserable life? I’m failing in my livelihood, my marriage is falling apart, and my social life is nonexistent… I can’t seem to succeed at anything. Why should I go on living? I feel like I don’t matter. Death would be better than this…”

The rabbi smiled gently and pointed to two pictures hanging on the wall.
“Do you see this picture? It’s a beautiful image made of 2,000 puzzle pieces. Now look at this one, also 2,000 pieces, but there’s something different about it. Do you notice?”

“Yes,” said the man. “One piece is missing, and it ruins the whole picture. It’s so obvious how a single missing piece can take away from something so beautiful.”

“That’s exactly it,” the rabbi replied. “You are a vital piece of the grand puzzle of the Jewish people. You matter more than you can imagine. Without you, the world is incomplete.”

The man left uplifted, with a smile on his face.

Every one of us is a beloved child of Hashem. Without you, the world is lacking.

Every Jew Is Irreplaceable: Ten Powerful Teachings

Here are ten profound ideas from Jewish sources that affirm the deep value of every Jewish soul:

1. Rabbeinu Yonah: Know Your Worth

In Shaarei HaAvodah, Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona teaches that the first step in spiritual growth is recognizing your own value. A Jew must be aware of their greatness and the greatness of their ancestors. This awareness serves as a safeguard against sin and despair. When a person forgets their noble identity, they are more likely to fall into negative patterns.

2. Rav Tzadok HaKohen: Believe in Yourself

In Tzidkat HaTzaddik (Section 154), Rav Tzadok writes that just as one must have faith in Hashem, one must also have faith in oneself. A Jew must believe that Hashem has a unique relationship with them, that their soul is part of the Divine, and that Hashem finds joy and delight in them.

3. For You the World Was Created

Our Sages state in Yalkut Shimoni on Bereishit: “Every person must say, the world was created for me.” This reflects the idea that every Jew has a unique spiritual imprint and mission. There is no room for despair. Each person has a task that no one else can fulfill.

4. Not Just a Jew, A Singular Soul

The Sages taught: “Don’t read it ‘Yehudi’ (Jew), read it ‘Yechidi’ (unique one).” Every Jew is inherently one-of-a-kind, with a personal mission and personal challenges that are theirs alone.

5. Don’t Covet Another’s Path

The Torah commands, “Do not covet your neighbor’s house… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” This applies both spiritually and materially. Each person is given the tools, trials, and tasks specific to their soul’s purpose. Comparing oneself to others only leads to unnecessary suffering.

6. Hashem’s Firstborn

The Maharal of Prague explains (Netzach Yisrael, Chapter 11) that Hashem calls the Jewish people “My firstborn son.” Just as a family has only one firstborn, each Jew is as dear to Hashem as an only child, loved and cherished beyond comprehension.

7. If I Am Not for Myself, Who Will Be?

Rav Azriel Tauber teaches, based on Hillel’s words in Pirkei Avot, that each person has a unique mission in every moment. “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” In other words, if I don’t fulfill my mission, no one else can. Every moment is one-of-a-kind, and no one else can live it for you.

8. Every Person Has Their Hour

Our sages taught: “Do not look down on anyone… for everyone has their moment.” The Maharal explains that each moment has a Divine purpose, and each person has a place where they are meant to actualize that purpose. No time or place is meaningless.

9. Know Your Place, Embrace Your Role

One of the 48 ways to acquire Torah, as listed in Pirkei Avot (Chapter 6), is “knowing one’s place.” When a person accepts that they are exactly where Hashem wants them to be, even if it’s uncomfortable, they can find peace. With this mindset, the heart is free to rejoice and serve Hashem fully, in times of joy and sorrow, abundance and need.

10. Don’t Listen to the Voice That Says You’re Worthless

Rav Elimelech Biderman constantly reminds his students: the first principle of spiritual life is knowing your worth. Even when the yetzer hara (evil inclination) tries to convince you that you’re insignificant, that your efforts don’t matter, ignore it. Every mitzvah, every struggle, every moment of self-restraint is precious beyond measure.

You Matter. You Belong. You Are Irreplaceable.
Jewish tradition doesn’t just discourage despair; it actively affirms the infinite value of every soul. You are not alone, and your presence in the world makes all the difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please seek help from a professional or reach out to someone you trust. Your life is precious and sacred.