FEBRUARY 5, ‘25 // It sounds simple, almost playful, but beneath this phrase lies a powerful truth about the limits of human potential. In moments when we feel like we’ve reached the edge of our strength, when exhaustion threatens to take over, we often believe there’s nothing left to give. Yet, time and time again, we discover that with a shift in mindset, an injection of willpower, and a renewed determination, we’re capable of far more than we ever imagined. Effort is not a finite resource, but a limitless well that can be drawn from again and again. It’s a deep, boundless reserve, constantly replenished by our commitment to something greater than ourselves. Think back to times when you’ve pushed yourself past what you thought were your limits— whether it was working late into the night to meet an impossible deadline, offering compassion when you were emotionally drained, or simply enduring in the face of hardship. When applied with purpose, effort has the power to break down walls that seemed unmovable. It’s about finding that hidden gear, that untapped potential lying dormant within us, waiting to be activated. The moment you think there’s nothing left, that’s when the magic happens. Like squeezing every last bit of toothpaste out of the tube, it’s in these moments of pushing a little further, of digging a little deeper, that we discover just how much more we’re capable of. During the Holocaust, the זצ”ל רבי קלויזנבורג’ער endured unbearable loss—his wife and eleven children were taken, he was forced into brutal labor, and he witnessed unimaginable horrors. At one point, he was made to carry heavy loads, far beyond what he thought he could handle. But to his surprise, he found strength inside himself that he never knew he had. Later, he reflected on this and explained that people have much more strength than they realize. When faced with extreme challenges, whether physical or emotional, a person can dig deep and find energy they never thought they had. His story is not just about physical survival—it’s about the deep כוחות הנפש , the inner strength that Hashem gives every Jew, helping them push forward and overcome even the hardest struggles. Effort is like toothpaste, you can always squeeze out just a bit more QUOTE OF THE WEEK Rabbi Yehuda Sputz בס"ד Do you have a favorite quote, a comment, or anything else you would like to share? Please email Rabbi Yehuda Sputz LMSW at sputz4900@gmail.com 154
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