Since the rejection by the Beit Tovei Ha’Ir on July 17, 2012, I have been in danger of opening the door to my inner being to doubts. I defend myself against this by repeatedly reminding myself of the values that are essential to me. Before morning prayer I stand before God, as usual, with the internal lot and the flag of Israel in my hands up. In addition to the three most important things for Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “But now there remains faith, hope, love …” I add obedience and humility for myself. So now there remains faith, hope, love, obedience and humility! For me, these are the most essential values in my life.

A wonderful experience then is the internal lot from Proverbs 15:33:

יראת יהוה מוסר חכמה ולפני כבוד ענוה

yir’at YAHWEH mussar chochmah welifnei chawod anawah

“Fear of YAHWEH is instruction in wisdom; but before honor comes humility. “(own translation)