In this week’s parsha Tetzaveh, we see that G-d wanted individuals whom He chose to "invest with ... wisdom" to be the ones in charge of making the High Priest's clothing. What does it mean that G-d invested wisdom? It means exactly what is meant by any other investment - a return on the investment isn't merely hoped for, but expected. G-d makes an investment in each and every one of us when He gives each of us a unique and special talent. Would you put all your money into a bank whose policy was never to pay any interest on the accounts? Probably not.

Universally, every person born to caring parents has heard that they are "unique in their own way." As children, we embrace this truism and tap into our special talents in one way or another. Whether we have a passion and excitement for mathematics, music, art, writing, or cooking - as youngsters we're clearly aware of the things that come easy to us and that bring us joy. In fact, we often wonder why everyone else has such a hard time with what comes so naturally to us. This is called G-d given talent that was a pure gift from your creator.

One of the saddest things to happen as a person gets older is they stop using or fail to channel this talent. Instead, they squash it and convince themselves that the invested talent isn't really that big of a deal. What an unbelievably huge mistake to make.

You have the responsibility - not just the option - to use whatever unique talent G-d has given you, and give G-d a return on His investment. Just like you would pull your money out of an investment that never paid you a return, you run the very real risk of G-d "pulling" this talent that was given to you if you don't use it. This could happen in a thousand ways, but the gradual or immediate loss of this ability you had from birth will eventually happen. So use what you've been given.

We're all designed for greatness. The one-way ticket to accomplish greatness is to use the talent you were given at birth to make the world a better place. When you use what you've been given, you're immediately beginning to pay interest on G-d’s investment. Watch how much more you get entrusted with then.

As we begin our final preparations for International Convention, we are going to be faced with moments where we will learn about ourselves, where we have to engage with our own talents and joys. My message to you is to use the talent that G-d gave you, and make the most out of the incredible opportunity we have at our fingertips. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Lior Kolman, BBYO South Africa