Standing Together: The Power of Collective Growth

This week’s parsha, Nitzavim, opens with a striking image:

“You are standing today, all of you, before Hashem your G-d—your leaders, your tribes, your elders, your children, your men, your women, the stranger in your camp, your woodchoppers, and your water drawers.”

The Torah is making a powerful point: every person matters. Every role, whether public or hidden, prestigious or humble, is essential in the grand design of society.

We sometimes assume that real impact comes only from leadership positions—political leaders, CEOs, rabbis, or innovators. Yet the Torah reminds us that the woodchopper and water drawer stand alongside the leaders. Each one contributes, each one is significant.

Psychologist Viktor Frankl, in his classic Man’s Search for Meaning, argued that human beings can endure almost anything if they find purpose in their lives. Meaning doesn’t come only from grand achievements—it comes from recognizing the value of the role we play, no matter how small it may appear.

Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, echoes this idea: fulfillment comes from clarity about our roles and responsibilities, and then striving to live them out with integrity and purpose.

Of course, ambition is important. We should always strive to grow, to learn, and to improve ourselves. But growth doesn’t mean everyone must be a leader. Some are drawn to science, others to teaching, others to art, business, or service. What matters is not the title of the role, but the meaning we bring to it.

When we see our work as part of a bigger picture—contributing to our families, our communities, and ultimately humanity—we discover deeper fulfillment.

There’s a proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” The same is true for society. Communities only thrive when each person fulfills their unique role. Just as a free market economy has lifted millions out of poverty through countless individuals playing their part, so too does society flourish when everyone contributes in their own way.

No one role is sufficient on its own—but together, we create exponential growth.

This week, take a moment to reflect:

• What role am I playing in my community, my family, or my workplace?

• How can I bring more meaning into that role?

• In what way can I support others so that, collectively, we all stand stronger?

  
  

Because at the end of the day, as the Torah reminds us: we are all standing together.

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About the author:

Elimelech Levy is a Rabbi and Coach based in Sydney, Australia, where he runs Chabad Youth NSW — a youth organisation dedicated to providing Jewish enrichment that is educational, fun, social, and affordable. Elimelech received his MBA from Macquarie University in 2021 and went on to become a Results Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), helping people take control of their lives through establishing goals and working towards them.

In 2023, he founded the Knei Lecha Chover program, which connects Rabbis worldwide and equips them with tools to coach each other regularly — enabling access to mentorship and support without the significant costs of professional coaching.

Beyond his work in education and coaching, Elimelech is also passionate about property development, seeing it as a practical avenue to create value, stability, and opportunities that align with his broader vision of growth and contribution.

He can be reached via his website elilevy.com.au