In this week's parsha we read about the birth of the twelve tribes. Yaakov Avinu married two sisters Leah and Rachel and along with their maidservants fathered twelve sons who were the fathers of each of the tribes. A superficial reading of the parsha would lead a person to believe that Leah and Rachel were in somewhat of a "competition" as each desired to mother the tribes of Israel. This is obviously a mistaken understanding. These righteous women were not driven by honor, jealousy or other negative character traits. They understood the great responsibility that they were tasked with to give birth to the Jewish People and the desire to have a significant part in the birth of the nation. 

Although we may not be tasked with giving birth and building the foundations of our nation, nevertheless our actions have tremendous impact. The "holy mothers" understood that they were not just bearing children, they were building a nation. Each and everyone of us has a purpose and job in this world, our actions aren't just mundane, meaningless actions they have severe repercussions for good and bad (G-d Forbid). Many times we have no idea how far reaching and impactful a seemingly small good deed may have on the world, our entire life or the lives of many others.

Shabbat Shalom,

May all of our sick brothers and sisters have a speedy recovery.