Invocation by Rabbi Chaim Goldstein at Drexel University

[Music] foreign [Music] [Applause] standing for the invocation which will be given by Rabbi hayam Goldstein good afternoon let us begin this momentous occasion with gratitude we are grateful to the Supreme higher authority almighty God who has created and sustained us allowing us to reach this great milestone in our lives we Express gratitude to Drexel University its faculty staff and administration for imparting the knowledge and wisdom that brought us to this day we extend our gratitude to our families and friends who have supported and stood by us throughout the years I'd like to share a story that I heard from my grandfather as a young child stories that he used to actually tell on the radio show in Brooklyn a special radio program that ran once a week keeping it brief not giving you the 10-page version will keep it to one paragraph for today it was in the merry city of Grape Town known for its delicious wine there was a royal visit that was imminent Everybody Was preparing for the king's arrival to the city the townspeople planned an elaborate welcome constructing a grand Barrel filled with their famous wine each citizen was to contribute one gallon of wine but selfish Barber named getzel decided to pour water instead well little the getzel know but others followed suit thinking they could deceive everyone else well when the king arrived and turned the faucet water flowed out instead of wine the incident taught the people of Grape Town a very valuable lesson never rely on others and always take responsibility for important tasks setting a good example and doing what is right ensures the success of our endeavors looking around today I see individuals who carry a sense of responsibility and purpose you have chosen a path that educates and equips you to affect positive change improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide unlike the people of Grape Town you have acted with integrity and not passed on the responsibility to others this week synagogues worldwide read a fascinating Tale it was in the wilderness after leaving Egypt that the Jewish people approached the promised land Moses their leader sent 12 Spies to scout the land though they witness its abundance but fear overshadowed their faith ten of the tribe ten of the spies spread doubt fearing Giants and the Fortified seas that they saw their actions caused lasting negative impacts my mentor the labba analyzed this story questioning how did the hand-picked spies that were chosen by Moses fall astray from their mission he explains that their desire was to remain in the desert and not enter the land was actually sacred he explains that their desire was because they were concerned of their proposed new lifestyle in Israel in the desert they were sheltered from distractions and provided by all their needs from God Almighty their spiritual connection to God was cherished deeply however entering the promised land meant plowing Fields raising cattle seemingly contradicting their spiritual devotion however they failed they failed to realize that God desires us to bring knowledge into action making the world a better place dear dragons for the past four or five years you have been sheltered and cared for by amazing Clouds Of Glory your parents professors and friends who have supported you through thick and thin now it is your turn to take this acquired knowledge your precious barrel of wine and poor and distributed into the world the world awaits your beautiful contribution that only you can make in the story of the spies two individuals Joshua and Caleb remain steadfast trusting in God's promise they voiced their opinions above the chaos risking their own lives Joshua not only entered the promised land but became Moses's successor becoming one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people together let us utilize our Newfound knowledge and capabilities to make a difference in the world for knowledge without Good Deeds without action is like a tree that bears no fruit the 13th century scholar Rabbi Moshe maimonides wrote that one must view themselves as the entire and the entire world as equally balanced between Good and Evil each word thought and action carries tremendous impact by performing even one good deed one Mitzvah we tip the balance towards merits bringing deliverance and salvation to ourselves and the entire world what an awesome and empowering thought may we soon usher in an era of goodness kindness peace and harmony for the entire world world with the coming of mashiach now [Music] Israel May the one who makes peace on high bring peace upon us upon all of Israel and let us say Amen