The Surprising Secret to True Greatness: Discovering the Transformative Power of Holy Humility

In the frenetic pace of our modern world, the pursuit of success and validation often takes on a fevered, almost desperate quality. We see it in the glossy images that flood our screens, the carefully curated personas that dominate our social media feeds, the relentless messaging that equates worth with wealth, fame, and followers. It’s a path that promises fulfillment, but all too often leads to a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection. As one seeker put it, after years of chasing achievement and acclaim, “I finally had everything I thought I wanted, but I felt more lost and alone than ever before.

“The timeless wisdom of our holy Torah offers a radically different perspective – one that turns the conventional formula for success on its head. In a culture that glorifies self-promotion and ego-driven ambition, the path of true greatness lies in the pursuit of genuine humility, in the recognition of our own smallness before the Infinite majesty of the Creator. As we learn in today’s Hayom Yom, “By making oneself small, it opens up the possibility to become much bigger.” This statement, at once simple and profound, encapsulates a truth that has the power to transform our lives and our world.

What does it mean to make ourselves small before Hashem? It begins with the acknowledgment that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from Above, unearned and undeserved. Our talents, our resources, our very existence – all are expressions of the Divine will, bestowed upon us for a sacred purpose. When we internalize this truth, it frees us from the constant pressure to prove ourselves, to assert our own importance in the eyes of others. We no longer need to compete for status or validation, because we know that our worth stems from a source infinitely higher than the fleeting judgments of our peers.

This is the essence of holy humility – not a false modesty or self-deprecation, but a clear-eyed recognition of our own nothingness in the face of Hashem’s Infinite existence. It’s a state of being that we see embodied in the lives of our greatest Tzaddikim, those pure souls who emptied themselves of ego and became vessels for the Divine light. Take Moshe Rabbeinu, for example, the most exalted prophet in all of history, who spoke with the Almighty face to face. The Torah itself testifies that “the man Moshe was exceedingly humble, more than any other person on the face of the earth” (Bamidbar 12:3). It was precisely his profound self-nullification that enabled him to become such a clear channel for Hashem’s will, to lead the Jewish people out of bondage and to transmit the Torah for all generations.

In our own lives, cultivating true humility means learning to see ourselves and our experiences through the lens of Divine Providence, recognizing that every moment, every encounter, is an opportunity to serve Hashem and fulfill our unique mission in the world. It means letting go of the illusion of control, the belief that we are the sole authors of our own destiny, and instead trusting that the Almighty is guiding our steps, even when the path seems unclear or the challenges insurmountable.

One of the most powerful tools for developing this perspective is the practice of regular hitbodedut, or secluded prayer and meditation. By carving out time each day to pour out our hearts before our Creator, to express our deepest fears and longings, our moments of joy and gratitude, we gradually chip away at the walls of the ego that separate us from His Presence. In the stillness of our own souls, we come to recognize our absolute dependence on Hashem for every breath and every blessing, and to feel the smallness of our own concerns in the vast expanse of His Infinite wisdom and love.

This daily practice of surrender and self-nullification, paradoxically, fills us with a profound sense of purpose and vitality. By relinquishing the need to assert our own importance, we create space for Hashem to work through us in ways we never thought possible, to shine His light into the darkest corners of our lives and our world. We begin to see our unique talents and circumstances not as a source of pride or entitlement, but as precious gifts to be used in the service of the Divine will.

And as we deepen our own humility and connection to Hashem, we naturally become more attuned to the needs and experiences of others. No longer consumed by our own ego-driven agendas, we are free to approach each interaction with compassion and presence, to see the Godly spark that resides within every human being. In this way, holy humility becomes a powerful force for healing and connection, transforming our relationships and uplifting our communities.

Of course, this path is not always an easy one. In a world that often seems to reward arrogance and self-promotion, the pursuit of genuine humility can feel like swimming against the tide. But as the Baal Shem Tov taught, the greatest spiritual battles are waged within our own hearts, moment by moment, choice by choice. Every small act of surrender, every whispered prayer of “Hineni” – “Here I am, Hashem, ready to serve You” – is a profound victory, a step closer to fulfilling our true potential and bringing the Divine Presence into the world.

Ultimately, the path of holy humility is the key to unlocking our greatest purpose and joy as Jews. By making ourselves small before the Almighty, we create space for His Infinite light to fill us, to guide us, to work through us in the sacred task of uplifting the sparks of holiness scattered throughout creation. And as more and more of us commit to walking this path with sincerity and dedication, we hasten the day when the entire world will recognize the absolute unity and sovereignty of Hashem, when every human being will bow before His Infinite majesty and proclaim, “Hashem Echad” – “God is One.”

May we merit to be among those pure souls who empty themselves of ego and become vessels of the Divine will, shining the light of Hashem’s love and wisdom into a world so in need of healing and redemption. And may we soon witness the arrival of Mashiach, when all of creation will join together in a cosmic symphony of praise and gratitude, celebrating the Infinite Oneness that underlies all existence. Amen, may it be His will.