Life is a journey filled with moments of triumph and times of challenge. Yet, it’s during the struggles—the hardest, most humbling moments—that we often uncover our true purpose.

Right now, we’re reading the parshiot about Bnei Yisrael transitioning from slavery to freedom, a story we revisit every Pesach Seder. Rav Hershel Schachter teaches that Pesach isn’t just about thanking Hashem for taking us out of Egypt, but also for placing us there in the first place. The suffering, the refining process, built Bnei Yisrael into a nation ready to receive the Torah. Without that experience, we wouldn’t have the empathy to fulfill so many mitzvot, including “Ahavtem et Hager, Ki Ger Haitem b’eretz Mitzrayim”—to love the convert because we, too, were strangers in Egypt.

Rav Schachter has also shared how his own challenges shaped his ability to connect with others. Early in his life, finding the right shidduch wasn’t easy, and once he did, he struggled with having children. He was learning, teaching, doing everything right, and couldn’t understand why these challenges came his way. Years later, he realized these experiences allowed him to empathize deeply with the struggles of others who came to him for guidance.

This idea—that our struggles prepare us to become the people we’re meant to be—resonates deeply with me. Every challenge, every “Mitzrayim,” has shaped me into the person I am today. Let me share how this plays out in Torah, in life, and in my personal story.

Learning the Foundation Before Leading

A friend once told me how his father-in-law wanted to hand over the family business to him. But instead of simply giving him the keys, he made him start at the very bottom. He had to work through every role, understand each process, and experience the challenges of both employees and customers. Only after mastering the foundation could he take on the responsibility of running the business.

Life works the same way. Hashem doesn’t just place us in our mission; He prepares us for it. That preparation often looks like struggles—experiences that refine us, teach us empathy, and give us the tools to succeed.

The Midrash tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu had 10 names, yet the only name the Torah uses is the one given by Pharaoh’s daughter: Moshe. Why? Because it encapsulates his essence—“Ki min hamayim mishitihu,” “I drew him from the water.” Moshe was saved so he could save others. That became his mission and his essence.

From defending a Hebrew slave to protecting Yitro’s daughters at the well, Moshe’s life was about using his experiences to help others. He wasn’t just a leader; he was a savior, a giver, and an advocate for his people—even when Hashem Himself threatened to destroy Bnei Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf.

Our experiences shape us into the people we’re meant to be so we can fulfill our mission.

Struggles That Shaped My Life

Let me share a personal story that, at the time, felt like the end of the world but turned out to be the beginning of something far greater.

Years ago, I founded a tech startup. The fast-paced world of entrepreneurship was a dream for someone like me with ADHD. Every day brought new challenges, and the excitement kept me going.

Things started well. I secured grants, won entrepreneurship contests, and even got a VC in New York to commit $500,000 to lead a $1 million funding round. Life felt unstoppable.

But then, the perfect storm hit.

My main developer quit, a government loan agency demanded changes I couldn’t afford to make, and the VC who had committed to leading the round backed out, asking for immediate adjustments that weren’t feasible. My business collapsed.

I was left with debt, no income, and a young family to support. I was devastated.

At that point, I turned to Hashem—not as a backup plan, but as my only option. Until then, in my very limited understanding, I had seen Hashem as someone to call on in emergencies. This experience taught me that my entire life depended on Him. I began talking to Him, pouring out my heart. I discovered emuna, started learning Torah deeply, and rebuilt myself into a stronger, more connected version of me.

Looking back, I now see that the failure of my startup was Hashem’s way of preparing me for something greater. The struggles taught me resilience, humility, and the ability to empathize with others in ways I never imagined. They also led me to a closer connection with Torah, enabling me to help others, give chizuk, and start teaching Torah.

Becoming a Giver

A baby is born with clenched fists, symbolizing the instinct to take. By the end of life, our hands are open, representing the transformation into givers. This journey—from taking to giving—is our mission in life.

Hashem is the ultimate giver, and we’re commanded to emulate Him. But giving isn’t just about money; it’s about sharing our time, experiences, and wisdom.

The challenges I faced allowed me to give in ways I never imagined. I started teaching Torah, sharing inspiration, and helping others through their own struggles. My 4-Minute Gratitude program grew out of my desire to become more positive and grateful. I found a way to “hack” my gratitude growth in just minutes a day. Now, that same system is available for anyone who wants to train their mind to see the good all around them.

The Next Step: Coaching

Everything I create—whether blog posts, newsletters, social media content, or Torah classes—flows from my deep passion for inspiring others to grow closer to Hashem and live the most meaningful, fulfilling life possible. I like to call it Living the Dream.

Now, I’m taking this passion to the next level by offering one-on-one coaching. This is for anyone seeking to grow in areas like bitachon (trust in Hashem), mindfulness, and personal development, or for those feeling stuck, distant, or unsure how to move forward in their journey of personal growth through Torah.

For years, people have encouraged me to coach others navigating challenges similar to those I’ve faced. I hesitated, but I’ve realized that my experiences and growth were meant to be shared. So, I’m taking the leap.

If you or someone you know could benefit from personalized guidance rooted in Torah wisdom, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out, book a free intro consultation, or share this with someone who might need it. Together, we can take the next step toward Living the Dream.

Join the Mission

If my content resonates with you, if you’ve found inspiration in my stories, or if you believe in the power of Torah and gratitude, I need your help:

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Every like, share, and comment helps spread the message and grow this community. Together, we can inspire more people to live a life of growth, gratitude, and connection to Hashem.

Let’s build something extraordinary—together.

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