Jane Marczewski, who goes by the stage name Nightbirde won the hearts of the judges of Americas Got Talent. She sang a song which describes her battle with cancer. She wasn't able to make it to the finals because of the cancer. Please say a prayer for her.
When she won the "golden buzzer", she said "You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy!" Nightbirde - Jun 8, 2021.
In the Declaration of Independence we are told "they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness;". However, as Nightbirdie said, happiness is a choice.
Jane says she has a chance at living. Jane has beaten cancer before!
All day, all night, now I can't hide
Said I knew myself but I guess I lied
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay
If you're lost, we're all a little lost and it's alright
We do not have a TV at home and I rarely hear news from AGT. The Baal Shem Tov teaches that "Every single thing that a person sees or hears, is an instruction to him in his conduct in the service of G‑d." Reading about Nightbirdie and her story as we began the month of Elul, the month of introspection and preparation for the High Holidays, it made me think:
Said I knew myself but I guess I lied. Do I know myself?
The pursuit of happiness is a misnomer. You have a right to be happy. If you choose to be, you can be!
Are we all a little lost? Is it alright? Should we be trying to find our way back?
When she says it's alright because we are all a little lost? Is it alright?
What do you think?
Have a good Shabbos,
May you be inscribed and sealed for good,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman