The Importance of One

Recently we have witnessed the rise of many “popular” movements.  The “Occupy” movement, the consumer complaints that have changed corporate policies, and civil uprisings in the Arab world- all of these may be described as “popular” because they came about through the efforts of individuals. For better or worse, with today’s instant global communications an idea really can spread like wildfire if not faster! The obvious dangers are undeniable but so are the blessings. Today, going “viral” means that one person can get a message out to the entire world. The dreams and hopes of an individual can become the common property of millions with just the click of a mouse.

What a paradox it is- in a world that seems so large and fragmented, a world that seems to make an individual feel so helpless in the face of government and corporate policies, we find that the voice of just one person can be heard around the world. A personal injustice suffered can become a cyber cry that soon rallies an army of like minded people. Yes, this is a dangerous thing but it also has great potential. It should also remind us of a very simple truth that is sometimes lost in the whirlwind of modern life: one person really can make a difference. One person communicating an important idea or promoting a worthy cause  can change the world. The reality of mass communication is that any individual really can communicate with the masses!

The individual now has more ability than ever to effect change- no more leaving it to “someone else.” You and I are now the “someone else.”  That  “global” concept  applies to just about every aspect of our lives- take the example of Molly Katchpole. She is the woman who started on-line petitions that would cause Verizon Wireless and Bank of America to cancel new charges that they were about to pass on to consumers. She made a difference, her one voice was joined by others until they were too many to ignore.

 Think of the first Jew, Abraham- one man with a unique and powerful idea that would change the world. Not bad for one guy and he didn’t even have a computer!  If you want to renew your faith in the future of our people, then renew your faith in the power of one and remember that you are the one! There are so many people who make the future of the Jewish people look so bleak- we are disappearing they say, but they are wrong. We have all the tools we need to make the Jewish future brighter than ever- still with just one idea, all we need to do is share it.  It wouldn’t be a bad thing is Judaism went viral- hey I like the sound of that.

This article appeared in The South Florida Jewish Journal and The Atlanta Jewish Times