Part 2/10:
From childhood, we are conditioned to conform. Whether it’s following social norms, meeting family expectations, or fitting into societal molds created by industry and technology, the pressure to blend in is formidable. This conformity is rooted in fear — fear of being different, laughed at, dismissed, or even ostracized. Everyone wants to be accepted, but this desire often stifles our individuality and authentic self-expression.
Rabbi Jacobson emphasizes that the natural inclination is to avoid standing out too much, because the risk of rejection can seem overwhelming. However, he invites us to reflect on how this tendency can dampen the very essence of what makes us unique.