A person is obligated to say, “The world was created for me.” [Talmud] We are obligated to be aware of our own greatness. Feel proud that you are created in the image of God. Pride in the awareness of the greatness and elevation of your soul is not only proper, but it is actually an obligation. It is a binding duty to recognize your virtues and to live with this awareness. [Rabbi Avraham Grodzinski (1883-1944)] Being aware of our own greatness should never be confused with arrogance. Recognizing my greatness because I am created in the divine image is one thing; claiming I am greater than you is arrogance. Perhaps our greatness is best understood as being worthy? I am worthy of wearing the badge. The badge does not make me greater than any one else. I make the badge. The badge does not make me. May we blessed today and everyday to live with this awareness. — Rabbi Joshua Taub, D.D.
