Hey there, and welcome back to the Living the Dream Newsletter!

This week, as we read about Bnei Yisrael’s journey through slavery and redemption, I’ve been reflecting on how those experiences shaped them into a nation worthy of receiving the Torah. It’s incredible how struggles, which often feel overwhelming in the moment, can become the greatest blessings in disguise.

In this issue, I’m sharing a personal story about one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced—a moment that felt like the end of the world but turned out to be a pivotal step in my journey. Life’s challenges don’t just happen to us; they prepare us for our unique mission. We see this in the lives of Moshe Rabbeinu, Bnei Yisrael, and even in our own.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been including a weekly activity and challenge to help you apply the lessons we talk about. I’d love to hear your feedback—just hit reply and let me know how it’s going!

If you’ve been following me on social media, you’ve seen my daily 4-Minute Gratitude Challenge posts. Have you tried it? How’s it been working for you? If you’ve enjoyed it, you can dive deeper by joining the full program. And if you’re not following me yet, now’s the time!

One more thing—I’m excited to share that I’ve officially launched my one-on-one coaching program, designed to help you grow in bitachon, mindfulness, and personal development through Torah. If you or someone you know would benefit, book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

Please help me spread Torah and inspiration by forwarding this newsletter to friends and family. Together, we can grow and share the light.

Wishing you an amazing Shabbos and an inspiring week ahead!

With Gratitude,
Amir

Finding Purpose Through Struggles: A Journey of Growth, Gratitude, and Giving

Life is a journey filled with moments of triumph and times of challenge. Yet, it’s during the struggles—the hardest, most humbling moments—that we often uncover our true purpose.

Right now, we’re reading the parshiot about Bnei Yisrael transitioning from slavery to freedom, a story we revisit every Pesach Seder. Rav Hershel Schachter teaches that Pesach isn’t just about thanking Hashem for taking us out of Egypt, but also for placing us there in the first place. The suffering, the refining process, built Bnei Yisrael into a nation ready to receive the Torah. Without that experience, we wouldn’t have the empathy to fulfill so many mitzvot, including "Ahavtem et Hager, Ki Ger Haitem b’eretz Mitzrayim"—to love the convert because we, too, were strangers in Egypt.

Rav Schachter has also shared how his own challenges shaped his ability to connect with others. Early in his life, finding the right shidduch wasn’t easy, and once he did, he struggled with having children. He was learning, teaching, doing everything right, and couldn’t understand why these challenges came his way. Years later, he realized these experiences allowed him to empathize deeply with the struggles of others who came to him for guidance.

This idea—that our struggles prepare us to become the people we’re meant to be—resonates deeply with me. Every challenge, every “Mitzrayim,” has shaped me into the person I am today. Let me share how this plays out in Torah, in life, and in my personal story.

Learning the Foundation Before Leading

A friend once told me how his father-in-law wanted to hand over the family business to him. But instead of simply giving him the keys, he made him start at the very bottom. He had to work through every role, understand each process, and experience the challenges of both employees and customers. Only after mastering the foundation could he take on the responsibility of running the business.

Life works the same way. Hashem doesn’t just place us in our mission; He prepares us for it. That preparation often looks like struggles—experiences that refine us, teach us empathy, and give us the tools to succeed.

The Midrash tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu had 10 names, yet the only name the Torah uses is the one given by Pharaoh’s daughter: Moshe. Why? Because it encapsulates his essence—“Ki min hamayim mishitihu,” “I drew him from the water.” Moshe was saved so he could save others. That became his mission and his essence.

From defending a Hebrew slave to protecting Yitro’s daughters at the well, Moshe’s life was about using his experiences to help others. He wasn’t just a leader; he was a savior, a giver, and an advocate for his people—even when Hashem Himself threatened to destroy Bnei Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf.

Our experiences shape us into the people we’re meant to be so we can fulfill our mission.

Struggles That Shaped My Life

Let me share a personal story that, at the time, felt like the end of the world but turned out to be the beginning of something far greater.

Years ago, I founded a tech startup. The fast-paced world of entrepreneurship was a dream for someone like me with ADHD. Every day brought new challenges, and the excitement kept me going.

Things started well. I secured grants, won entrepreneurship contests, and even got a VC in New York to commit $500,000 to lead a $1 million funding round. Life felt unstoppable.

But then, the perfect storm hit.

My main developer quit, a government loan agency demanded changes I couldn’t afford to make, and the VC who had committed to leading the round backed out, asking for immediate adjustments that weren’t feasible. My business collapsed.

I was left with debt, no income, and a young family to support. I was devastated.

At that point, I turned to Hashem—not as a backup plan, but as my only option. Until then, in my very limited understanding, I had seen Hashem as someone to call on in emergencies. This experience taught me that my entire life depended on Him. I began talking to Him, pouring out my heart. I discovered emuna, started learning Torah deeply, and rebuilt myself into a stronger, more connected version of me.

Looking back, I now see that the failure of my startup was Hashem’s way of preparing me for something greater. The struggles taught me resilience, humility, and the ability to empathize with others in ways I never imagined. They also led me to a closer connection with Torah, enabling me to help others, give chizuk, and start teaching Torah.

Becoming a Giver

A baby is born with clenched fists, symbolizing the instinct to take. By the end of life, our hands are open, representing the transformation into givers. This journey—from taking to giving—is our mission in life.

Hashem is the ultimate giver, and we’re commanded to emulate Him. But giving isn’t just about money; it’s about sharing our time, experiences, and wisdom.

The challenges I faced allowed me to give in ways I never imagined. I started teaching Torah, sharing inspiration, and helping others through their own struggles. My 4-Minute Gratitude program grew out of my desire to become more positive and grateful. I found a way to “hack” my gratitude growth in just minutes a day. Now, that same system is available for anyone who wants to train their mind to see the good all around them.

The Next Step: Coaching

Everything I create—whether blog posts, newsletters, social media content, or Torah classes—flows from my deep passion for inspiring others to grow closer to Hashem and live the most meaningful, fulfilling life possible. I like to call it Living the Dream.

Now, I’m taking this passion to the next level by offering one-on-one coaching. This is for anyone seeking to grow in areas like bitachon (trust in Hashem), mindfulness, and personal development, or for those feeling stuck, distant, or unsure how to move forward in their journey of personal growth through Torah.

For years, people have encouraged me to coach others navigating challenges similar to those I’ve faced. I hesitated, but I’ve realized that my experiences and growth were meant to be shared. So, I’m taking the leap.

If you or someone you know could benefit from personalized guidance rooted in Torah wisdom, I’d love to help. Feel free to reply to this email, book a free intro consultation, or share this newsletter with someone who might need it. Together, we can take the next step toward Living the Dream.

Activity: Reflecting on Life’s Challenges

Take some time to reflect on your life and the challenges or obstacles you’ve faced. Think about moments when things didn’t work out the way you hoped.

Ask yourself:

• What happened? Recall the challenge or situation that seemed difficult or disappointing at the time.

• What did I learn? Consider the lessons you gained from that experience.

• How did it lead to something better? Reflect on how this challenge redirected your path or gave you the tools to accomplish something you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Write down your thoughts in a journal or discuss them with someone close to you. As you reflect, thank Hashem for guiding you through those moments and for using them to shape you into the person you are today.

This exercise will help you see how challenges can be stepping stones to growth and purpose.

Weekly Challenge: "Shift Your Perspective" Gratitude Challenge

Each day this week, identify one current challenge you’re facing and ask yourself:

• How might this be preparing me for something greater?

• What hidden opportunities or lessons could this situation hold?

Write down your answers and thank Hashem for the growth He is guiding you toward. By the end of the week, review your reflections and notice how your mindset about struggles has shifted.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Living the Dream Newsletter. I hope the stories, lessons, and challenges inspire you to reflect on your own journey and see how even the toughest moments can lead to incredible growth and purpose.

Remember, life’s challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones. Use them to climb higher and get closer to Hashem, to yourself, and to the mission you were meant to fulfill.

If this newsletter resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you’d share it with a friend or two. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can help spread Torah and positivity even further.

Wishing you a Shabbos filled with gratitude, inspiration, and growth. Looking forward to hearing from you, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out—I love connecting with you.

Warmly,
Amir