Acknowledging G-d’s presence, the key to success

In the realm of athletics, few names are as famous as Usain Bolt. Simply mentioning his name conjures up images of electrifying speed, unparalleled talent, and a string of Olympic gold medals and shattered world records.

In 2012, following his first-place finish in the London Olympic 200-metre final, Bolt took to social media to offer thanks – not to his trainers or supporters – but to a higher power. He tweeted “I want to thank G-d for everything he has done for me cause without him none of this would be possible.”

At first glance, this simple expression of gratitude in the wake of victory may seem like a formality that all athletes have to do. However, upon deeper inspection, his statement contains a profound and enduring truth – one which I reflect upon often – which is acknowledging the role of a higher power in human affairs.

As mentioned in my previous article, there are seven universal human principles known as the Seven Noahide Laws which set the foundation for joyful and fulfilled living. These laws place principles like respect, gratitude, selflessness, and justice at the forefront of our consciousness. One of these laws is “to acknowledge that there is a single G-d who cares about what we are doing and desires that we take care of His world.”

This message abounds throughout the Bible. In Psalm 23, King David writes “G-d is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” In the Song of the Sea, Moses and the Israelites sing “The Lord is my strength and He is my salvation”.

When we give gratitude to G-d, we are acknowledging the foundation upon which all else is built. When a house is constructed, it can be the most beautiful and well built structure, but if it lacks a solid foundation, it will crumble in short order.

When we acknowledge the role of the Divine in our day to day life, we give gratitude to the source and open up our lives for more blessings. Just like when our children say thank you, we’re inclined to give them more, G-d acts in the same way.

EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY

Seeing the Creator in this light, starts very early on. My mentor and spiritual teacher Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known simply as the Rebbe, taught that a key component to education should be to nurture moral virtues — instilling kindness, respect, and an appreciation for all humanity. The foundation for this awareness is by teaching children an appreciation and awareness of God’s role in the universe and in our lives.

He cited the “ Ethics of our Fathers”, a collection of principles and rules for living a good life, which contains the famous quote “ Know what is above you: an eye that sees, an ear that hears”. When we teach our children that there is a G-d above, they will carry this awareness throughout their lives and behave in an upstanding and honest manner, even when no one is watching.

These are the themes of Education and Sharing Day, an annual holiday first proclaimed by the US president in 1978 to honour the Rebbe and promote moral and ethical education. I want to thank the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, who proclaimed in Jamaica, Education and Sharing Day, acknowledging the importance of education and kindness. By doing so, he is making a commitment to the people of Jamaica, that our next generation will be one raised with an appreciation for G-d and all He does for us.

This April 19 will mark the fourth year that Jamaica will proclaim Education and Sharing day, and it is marked by the ARK campaign to increase acts of goodness and kindness. ARK stands for Acts of Routine Kindness, and is represented by a small yellow Ark-Shaped Charity box to teach children the importance of giving charity and spreading kindness. If you would like to join the ARK campaign, please reach out to Chabad of Jamaica and we can get you more information.

As Education Day and Passover are upon us, let us reaffirm our commitment to the universal principles of kindness, morality and acknowledgement of the creator. Just as Usain Bolt recognised G-d’s hand in his success, let us too recognise G-d’s hand in all aspects of our lives, and see the blessings and meaning that come from that. In doing so, we pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future—for Jamaica and beyond.

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin Jamaica’s Rabbi and director of Chabad of Jamaica together with his wife Chaya Mushka. To learn more, please visit www.jewishjamaica.com.