Adding ‘itism’ to your life - The Jewish Standard

Everyone knows that Avraham, our forefather, introduced monotheism to the world. But did you know that he also introduced “itism” to the world?

Let me explain by giving an example from writing.

There are two types of writing. One is centered around the reader. You can easily spot this style because it often includes the word “you” multiple times throughout the text. When you see it, you can recognize that the writer is making a conscious effort to connect with their readers. (Did you notice that I have already used the word “you” six times so far?)

I call that reader-centered style “you writing.” It’s all about you.

Then there is another type: the kind that focuses on the topic at hand. You are not the center of the conversation and might not even be mentioned at all. The discussion is about “it.” I call this style “it writing.”

This concept extends far beyond writing. Today, we are constantly bombarded by you-type messages. Open the news, and reporters are always trying to figure out what will get us excited (or upset). Look at ads, and it’s all about you: what you should wear, which car you should drive, and what brand of pasta you should buy for dinner. Call any customer service helpline, and all they want to talk about is how you feel or what you need.

And how about politicians? We just concluded an election campaign season with thousands of people across the country running for various positions. Many politicians are known for being voter-centric, often shifting positions on every imaginable topic to satisfy voters and secure their support.

If you ever use AI, you’ll notice how it is the ultimate you-centered technology. It is all about you all the time. The little robot is designed to prioritize making you happy, quickly following any directions and offering endless compliments, obviously to keep you engaged and generate more profit.

While it is good to have some focus on the you, too much can be just too much. This obsession with self-centeredness isn’t new. It’s a challenge humanity has faced since its earliest days.

In Avraham’s time, the situation had become so extreme that even spirituality was centered around people. They worshiped idols fashioned to meet their exact needs and desires: an idol for fertility, an idol for rain, and an idol for ageless beauty. Even their gods were all about them.

Avraham introduced “itism” to the world. When he discovered G-d, he declared to the people: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is it. Our world is not all about ourselves; there is something greater, a G-d who created the heavens and earth, a G-d of truth who doesn’t change. We are part of HIS grand plan, not the other way around. The world is centered around Him, not us.”

At first, people balked at the idea. But then it started catching on like wildfire. Why? Because it is liberating to know that our lives are part of something far greater than our small and limited existence. A life centered on you can feel satisfying in the short term, but having a purpose greater than ourselves, a purpose worth living for, transforms our existence and makes it immortal.

As we read the story of Avraham in the Torah this week, now is the perfect time to introduce more itism into our lives. We should reflect on our G-d-given purpose and ask: how can we live more meaningful lives? How can we align ourselves to be more purpose-focused?

While a life centered around you might promise immediate happiness, true and lasting joy comes from embracing the it. That higher purpose makes life worthwhile and gives us the strength to overcome all challenges. The path to genuine happiness goes through connecting to something greater than ourselves.

Mendy Kaminker is the rabbi of Chabad of Hackensack and an editorial member of Chabad.org. He welcomes your comments at rabbi@ChabadHackensack.com

Opinion