The Elephant That Didn’t Know Its Own Strength

In this week’s Parasha, Moshe Rabbeinu continues his farewell to the Jewish people. He will die in the desert, while they will continue on to the Land of Israel. As they prepare to enter this new stage, Moshe wants to strengthen and encourage them.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for Hashem your God is the One Who goes with you. He will not loosen His hold on you nor forsake you.”

Later, Moshe calls Yehoshua, who will succeed him as leader of the Jewish people, and tells him in the presence of all Israel: “Be strong and courageous.”

What the Elephant Doesn’t Know

Avigail was excited. Today, her father was taking her to the zoo, and not just for an ordinary visit. They were going behind the scenes. One of her father’s friends worked there and had promised them a fascinating tour.

When they arrived, they saw the monkeys and parrots and met some of the trainers and animal caretakers. Then, off to the side, Avigail noticed a huge elephant tied to a small stake in the ground.

“What’s that?” she asked. “Why doesn’t the elephant just pull out the stake and run away?”

“Everyone asks the same question when they come here,” her father’s friend said with a smile. “The answer is very simple. This elephant was born and raised here. When he was a tiny, young, and weak elephant, that stake was bigger and stronger than he was. Back then, he had no chance of breaking free.

“The years passed, and the elephant grew bigger and stronger. But in his mind, breaking free still seems impossible. It is obvious to everyone else that with one kick he could easily pull the stake out of the ground. But the elephant doesn’t realize how strong he has become, and so he doesn’t even try.”

A Point to Consider

This is more than just a story about an elephant that does not recognize its own strength.

Each of us can become tied down by a small “stake” in our lives. Something may have seemed impossible to overcome in the past, and we continue believing that it is impossible even after we have grown, changed, and become stronger.

Sometimes, each of us needs someone to tell us: “Be strong and courageous.” We need someone to remind us of the strength we already possess and that we are capable of reaching higher and achieving more.