Rabbi Majeski is the most inspiring educator I have ever come across. Perhaps I am biased because he teaches my favourite subject, Chassidus. However, I have come to realise that Chassidus is my favourite subject because he teaches it. A sort of chicken-and-egg situation, if you will.

Today Rabbi Majeski conveyed an idea in our Pirkei Avos class that really inspired me. He was speaking about what it means to be a Jew, what it means to be identified as a Jew and how it plays itself out in the 'pressures' of society at large. Here goes.

Tefilin. This funny-looking huge black box that you stick in the middle of your forehead. Another black box strapped to your arm. What's wrong with these people ? Tzitzis. Funny little strings hanging from your waist. Whats that about anyways? I wish they didn't do that. Makes the rest of us Jews look weird. Guys attracting so much attention with such modes of dress. Must be something wrong with them. Its so tempting to say, "I don't want to look funny. I want to look like everyone else."

Now consider a different scenario. An austronaught, preparing for his journey into space. What a funny looking outfit ! Tubes sticking out everywhere, not to mention a huge glass ball over his face. He's even walking funny, from side to side. He can't even walk straight ! Must be something wrong with him. Yet, what do we see? Everyone cheering him on, his family, standing tall and proud as he walks around in his space suit. His whole community, so proud to be associated with him.

Here's the key : both the astronaught and the Yid are on a special mission. We just need to recognise it.

I think many of us tend to forget our mission (I know I do). Davening gets a little tedious. Checking for hechsherim can make you go cross-eyed. Contacting your Rav whenever a spoon winds up touching a pot it shouldn't have (especially when you're in NY and your Rav lives in Singapore!!!). But its all part of our mission. And, boy, are we privileged to be appointed for this special mission.

Let's embark on our mission with pride, funny clothing and all. Moshiach is already here.