Rabbi Zusya of Hanipol: The Responsibility to Be You

If you are not yourself, who will be?

Attribution printed on the image: Rabbi Zusya of Hanipol

A reflection on the teaching

Comparison can make another person's life seem like the standard for our own. The question attributed here to Rabbi Zusya brings us back to the person who actually has to make today's choices. Our gifts, limits and responsibilities are not interchangeable with someone else's. Being ourselves still includes learning, correction and growth. It means doing that work from our real starting point. What ability have you been dismissing because it does not resemble someone else's? Choose one useful way to put it to work, without first needing to become that other person.

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.