The thought of attending caused me so much anxiety that I decided to be kind to myself and give myself permission not to attend.

Listen to a wide array of Jewish wisdom and ideas, inspiration, and stories selected from Chabad.org’s weekly articles.

Just as there are first fruits of the soil, there are also first deeds and first dreams. Here as well, people become more sophisticated as they mature, as do their aspirations and dreams. Nevertheless, there is a special significance to one’s first dreams.

A sample of local peasant culture can be found in certain phrases, often punchlines of poignant tales told by the Rebbes and chassidim, which have become part of everyday parlance.

Professor Scholem was curious to know what turned an educated young man towards tradition. David’s answer was straightforward: “I discovered the Book of Tanya. I found Chabad.”

When you’re able to “see” another person and revel in the positivity and unity it brings, it will automatically make you better, as well.

Looking for ways to channel this day’s inspiration into your life? Here are our suggestions.

Swimming daily meant I was no longer invisible—that there were witnesses to my life, however small it was. If I didn’t show up, there were women who noticed and would call to find out how I was. People cared, more than I cared for myself. I owed it to them to make an effort.

Please remember how difficult it is to change. Help me work on one thing at a time. I can’t change all my faults at once.

Our job is to find the divine sparks hidden within each person, each object and each event, and let that shine.