Public speaking is one of the most common fears in the world. Some surveys even suggest it’s feared more than death itself. Can you believe it? Standing in front of a crowd to speak at a funeral is, for many, scarier than being in the coffin!
I’ve always envied those rare ‘naturals’, people who seem born to command a crowd effortlessly. When I tell congregants that I still get nervous before delivering a sermon, they’re often surprised. While I’ve developed the skill and gained experience over time, the jitters remain, even if they’re not obvious to the audience.
This dynamic, acquired versus natural, made me think of our relationship with Judaism as well.
For some, Judaism might feel like an acquired identity or something they dabble in from time to time. Attending services a few times a year or celebrating the major holidays can certainly be meaningful, but it falls short of the true depth of Judaism. When we don’t engage regularly, we might find ourselves feeling like ‘strangers in our own home’ unfamiliar with the prayer book, the language, or the customs.
But something extraordinary happens when we bring Torah study into our lives and start growing in Jewish knowledge. With each step, Judaism begins to feel more natural to us. We become more at ease in Jewish spaces, more fluent in the rhythms of Jewish living, and we uncover our innate ‘natural’ connection to our heritage.
I have personally watched this happen to tens of people.
Whether it’s five minutes a day or an hour a week, let’s commit to growing in Torah, in person or on your phone, and watch it transform us into the 'naturals' we were always meant to be.