Rebbe Yechezkel of Kozmir: Crossing Despite Uncertainty

PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD ARE LIKE THOSE WALKING ON ICE: RUNNING IS OUT OF THE QUESTION, LEST THEY SLIP. DANCING, BY THE SAME TOKEN, IS EVEN LESS ADVISABLE. TAKING SMALL STEPS IS ALSO UNWISE, LEST THE ICE MELT BEFORE THEY MAKE IT ACROSS. THE ONLY RULE IS: JUST GO AHEAD AND CROSS!

Attribution printed on the image: Rebbe Yechezkel of Kozmir

A reflection on the teaching

Every imagined way across the ice seems to contain a problem. The saying captures how overthinking can make all available choices feel impossible. Its invitation is to move responsibly rather than wait for a route with no uncertainty. This is a metaphor for decision-making, not advice about actual ice or taking physical risks. We can gather relevant information, seek guidance and then choose a proportionate next step. What decision have you kept postponing because no option feels completely safe? Identify the information you still need and the point at which you will act.

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