The Squeeze That Sparks the Light

Are you feeling overwhelmed by pressure? Could it be that our ability to withstand and channel pressure is the very key to success? More importantly, how does one not only endure pressure but thrive because of it?

Mystics often use metaphors to convey abstract ideas, and one of the most powerful is light. But to grasp its full meaning, we must first deconstruct the metaphor.

Light is generated through combustion—olive oil being one of its fuel sources. Yet, to extract the oil, the olive must first be pressed. There is no other way.

Our eternal mission as a people is to be “a light unto the nations.” Every Jew, both individually and collectively, has been charged with the responsibility and the power to illuminate the world.

We do this by adding value—both materially and spiritually—to all of humanity:

• Through Israel’s contributions to agro-tech, water irrigation, and desalination, transforming life in Africa and beyond.

• Through an ingrained sense of responsibility and generosity, inspiring Jewish leadership in philanthropy and social activism worldwide.

• Through lives rooted in spiritual and moral clarity, offering guidance in an age of confusion.

But before we can generate this light, we must first produce the oil—and that requires pressure.

True impact comes only through sacrifice. To extract our inner “oil,” we must endure the “squeeze.” Light shines brightest when we embrace pressure as a force for growth.

A life of comfort and ease does not produce light; it dulls the senses, leaving us uninspired. If our inner oil is not ignited by sacrifice—fueling a brighter world—then it stagnates and spoils. Its purpose is to shine.

Pressure, when devoid of meaning, is crippling. But when infused with purpose, it becomes a catalyst—one that produces the brightest light, capable of dispelling even the deepest darkness.