(1-minute read)
We Do Our Part—And Let Go of the Rest
I learned a powerful idea this week from Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski that really resonated with me, and I wanted to share it. I’m grateful to my TorahMate in Dallas, Betty, with whom I study Twerski on Chumash each week. This sefer (book) contains so many wonderful psychological insights!
In this week’s parsha (Torah portion), there’s an unusual order of events: “All the work of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was completed, and the Children of Israel did everything that Hashem commanded Moshe.”
It feels backward. Shouldn’t it say that they did everything first—and then the work was completed?
But here’s the lesson: The Mishkan was only completed because Hashem completed it—after the Israelites gave it their all. Their effort was crucial, but it wasn’t their effort alone that brought the final result.
This idea matters so much in our everyday lives. As parents, we sometimes judge ourselves when a child continues to make poor choices or slips into red behavior. We forget that outcomes aren’t always tied to effort. The same is true for students, therapists, teachers—for all of us who care deeply and try hard.
What matters most is showing up, doing our part, and choosing our own green behaviors—even when the outcome is uncertain.
Just like with the Mishkan: our job is to do the work. The outcome isn’t in our hands.
Enjoy some peace of mind this week – and always!