Dear Readers,
I recently read about a scientific study that was conducted several years ago.
Rats were placed in water to see how long they could tread. On average, the rats survived for 15 minutes before drowning due to exhaustion. The researchers then did another test where, just before the rats expired, they took them out and let them rest for a few minutes before returning them to the water. This time around, even after having swum until they were exhausted, the rats were able to tread water for a whopping 60 hours. That’s two and a half days!
How is it possible? The researchers concluded that since the rats believed they would be rescued, that hope gave them the courage and strength to push themselves in ways that they would not have thought possible.
Perhaps there’s an important message for humans. By believing that there will be a positive end to our challenges, we can summon the strength to go so much further than we would ever have anticipated.
With the war ongoing in Israel and the number of casualties growing daily, the last few months have felt awfully dark and difficult. But believing that G‑d will help us emerge victorious gives us the strength to persevere. Throughout history, our belief that G‑d will provide an ultimately positive outcome for us and all mankind has given us the hope and ability to keep going.
Wishing you a wonderful week full of blessings. With heartfelt prayers for the safety and security of all our brethren, and the immediate return of the hostages to their families,
Chana Weisberg
Editor, TJW
P.S. What makes you hopeful these days?
