Rabbi Yoav Akrish Explains Building Strong Identity to Resist External Influence

Rabbi Yoav Akrish delivered a lesson on the weekly Torah portion Shoftim, focusing on the commandment to appoint judges and officers in every city. He emphasized the challenge of maintaining a strong personal identity amid external pressures, citing King Saul as an example of someone who lost his kingdom due to succumbing to public opinion. Through the powerful story of Rabbi Mendel Potterfas, who preserved his strong identity during exile in Siberia, and teachings from the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Akrish illustrated that resisting worldly influence requires more than erecting walls; it demands establishing a clear internal foundation. This foundation involves understanding who we are, our purpose in life, and our mission. He also referenced the parable of the pot left on the fire to highlight the importance of nurturing this inner clarity.

Rabbi Akrish further discussed the significance of morning thoughts, prayer, and Torah study in shaping our identity before engaging with the world. His lesson, delivered in the month of Elul, encourages transforming from being influenced by the environment to becoming an influencer ourselves by starting each day connected to our true selves and mission.