This is why we fight

Whoever saves one life is considered as if they saved an entire world.” - Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5

This verse is often used when we stand in awe of lifesaving events.

When even just one person saved we consider it to be miraculous.

Thus is the Jewish sancitity of each of us, we choose life, always.

Only now, after seeing the live h*stages return home, am I learning what this phrase truly means.

Here is Alon Ohel.

He is a classical-jazz pianist with bright dreams and music that moves through his soul.

He was one of the last h*stages to be released, almost losing his eyesight from shr*pnel in his eye and lack of medical treatment.

He is home and back at his piano, and listening to him play has become a religious experience for me.

To lose yourself in his music, in his songs, in his playing, is to dip yourself into his inner world.

What an idea, that each one of us carries a unique version of the world inside of us.

Our perspectives and talents embody beauty and depth that transcends realms, realities, and even time.

When I watch Alon play, I finally understand what it means, each one of us is equal to an entire world.

We are a microcosm of the cosmos,

We are the sand and stars,

We are human, in all our power to co-create reality alongside God.

Each one of us, precious.

Containing multitudes and possibilities.

Both a humbling thought and also such an expansive idea.

We always choose life because life is potential.

The individual, part of the whole.

This is why we fight for every single one of us to come home.