At age 32, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest of the world’s ten richest people. His fortune presently hovers over the $60 billion mark. Financially there certainly isn’t a thing that he lacks.
What could someone like Zuckerberg possibly pray for?
At the Harvard graduation ceremony last week we heard the answer.
The university from which Zuckerberg never graduated, cutting his education short to pursue the business interest which would turn him into a multibillionaire , invited him to deliver the graduation address to those who completed their studies. Nearly three million people tuned in on Facebook to listen to his talk.
His words were a profoundly personal reflection on the lessons he learned from his success, as well as the ideas which shaped his life’s journey to the present. In considering their relevance to us, it is instructive to know that Zuckerberg and his wife have made a commitment to give away 99 percent of their fortune to charity and good works during their lifetimes.
A theme to which Zuckerberg kept returning was the notion that life only has meaning when it is filled with purpose. He proposed that a purposeful life can be achieved without wealth; its foundation is built on the causes for which we exert our efforts.
Every one of us has a purpose, a way in which we can in some small measure change the world.
“One of my favorite stories” Zuckerberg conveyed, “is when John F Kennedy visited the NASA space center, he saw a janitor carrying a broom and he walked over and asked what he was doing. The janitor responded: Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
Every one of us, Zuckerberg impressed upon the graduates, has a purpose, a mission in life, a way in which we can in some small measure change the world and thereby leave a lasting legacy.
And that’s where Zuckerberg’s prayer comes into play. It wasn’t until the very end of his speech that he mentioned it – but the emphasis with which he expressed it made clear it was a summation of all he had said before. For me as a Rabbi and for anyone who shares pride in our Jewish heritage it is inspiring to know that however much or how little one of the wealthiest men in the world formally identifies with his faith, two Hebrew words preface the blessing he passes on every night to his daughter.
These were Zuckerberg’s closing words at the Harvard commencement:
I am reminded of a prayer, Mi Shebeirach, that I say whenever I face a challenge, that I sing to my daughter thinking about her future when I tuck her into bed. It goes:
“May the source of strength, who blessed the ones before us, help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing.”
I hope you find the courage to make your life a blessing.
For those who want to quibble, I know this is not the typical Mi Shebeirach prayer we are accustomed to. Yet there is much we can take from learning that with all of Zuckerberg’s wealth he still feels the need to offer a nightly prayer. He refers to it by way of the Hebrew words which link it to our ancient heritage. It is a prayer which seeks the help of the one who is “our source of strength who blessed the ones before us.” It acknowledges that our success ultimately depends upon more than our selves. No matter how financially blessed, we all need to call upon a higher power to help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing.
Zuckerberg’s prayer bears a striking resemblance to the remarkable blessing in the book of Genesis with which God blesses Abraham:
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great and you shall be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).
God does not tell Abraham that he will be blessed. Instead he gives him the greatest blessing of all, a blessing conveying both commandment and prophecy. It is very good to be blessed; it is even better to be a blessing. The first is merely to receive. The second is to imitate the Almighty and to be a source of blessing to others.
That is a major message of our faith. How nice to know that a very wealthy member of our tribe just shared it with the newest graduates of Harvard.
Addendum: A Brief Response to Some of the Comments
Thankfully, most readers got it.
My article about Zuckerberg’s speech at the Harvard commencement exercises was a personal reaction to a moment when one of the wealthiest men in the world acknowledged, as the header to the piece put it, “No matter how financially blessed, we all need to call upon a higher power to help us make our lives a blessing.” For him to understand that and to echo the mission given to Abraham not simply to be blessed but to be a blessing is powerful proof of what our sages long ago taught us – that within every Jew, no matter how far removed from Judaism, there is a spark of divinity and indeed it is possible to learn something from anyone, even those totally estranged from God.
That certainly is far from any suggestion that my intention was to portray Zuckerberg as a Jewish role model. Yes, I am horrified by his marriage out of the faith. But what I do know is that ultimate judgment for his sins belongs to God – and I frankly am put off by the kind of super piety of name calling.
Perhaps the reader who put it best in the comments section, identified as Mesa, was this:
I don't think Rabbi Blech was trying to make Zuckerberg into a role model. Zuckerberg is what he is. But he made that speech at Harvard and said something profound from which we could all learn. That deserved to be shared no matter how we feel about what Zuckerberg does.
(25) Sharon, June 14, 2017 11:46 AM
a different point of view
Just read Gil Troy's take on Zuckerberg's speech in Jerusalem Post:
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Choose-Zionism-not-Zuckerbergism-even-at-Harvards-commencement-496762
(24) Yosef, June 2, 2017 5:02 AM
Right or wrong
Let me first say Rabbi I wasn't or am not judging Mark at all. Who am I to judge him? Only HaShem is the true judge. My only problem with the article was your theme choice, to write about someone who happens to be rich and Jewish. Wrong message to our children and community in general because only the rich seems to matter and deserve to be recognized or acknowledged for even mentioning Gd once in their speeches. Guess what Rabbi?? I have read articles about this topic before and I guess I'm not the only one here to be so so so aware of not only of Jews but of every human being having some sorta spiritual connection with HaShem even if they're not observant at all of spiritual laws. Rich non-Jews, politicians, celebrities have praised Gd in the past, so what?? My point is Why not write about someone, a mensch from our community who's unknown to the world and from whom we can learn from?? Btw although I didn't enjoy reading the article, there was no need for other commentators to be insulting here. We all should respect each other's opinions.
(23) Anonymous, June 1, 2017 8:58 PM
IMHO Rabbi Blech isn't making Zuckerberg a role model just his words at the Harvard commencement.
Those who know what Mark Zuckerberg has been doing can react to that. I have no right to an opinion about the man himself and I am happy to retain that ignorance. All I know is that I like Rabbi Blech's message. These are his words. If those words make anyone a role model that person would be the Rabbi himself. In particular Rabbi Blech presents Zuckerberg's words as at the quotation Harvard commencement as a model for us all. That's all I take from this article. If I had an opinion of Mark Zuckerberg I could keep it separate from these words.
Never mind how disturbing you find Zuckerberg's words and actions in general. Focus on Rabbi Blech's message. Rabbi Blech says we should all recognize always that our blessings come from a Higher Power. I could care less whether Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates or Donald Trump or Donald Duck really believes this. Rabbi Blech does and so should I.
Shalom U'v'rachah to all.
(22) Anonymous, May 31, 2017 9:21 AM
To the comment section: You are what is wrong with Orthodox Judaism. Instead of seeing the good in your fellow Jew, you look down on them and judge them unfavorably even though you don't know them. You speak ill of someone you have never even spoken to. What happened to the laws of lashon hara? They don't apply to you? What happened to the notion of judging others favorably? Or are you the only ones created betzim Elohim?
(21) Alon Tolwin, May 30, 2017 9:01 PM
product of a leftist education
Prager said it well, he wants to bring meaning to peoples lives by having them manufacture and install solar panels and create an on-line way for everyone to vote. He is destroying identity and replacing it with the blather of "international citizen". There is no question that he is well-intended but so many products of today's liberal education, he has been taught to accept, without thinking, empty "feel-good" one-liners that really don't mean anything but can lead those who follow them down the hole to totalitarian hell.
(20) Sharona, May 29, 2017 8:34 PM
Teshuvah can start with the eye of a needle.
Whatever he has done in the past, or does as a Jew he is allowed to return, even if it is in a minuscule step, so many people in history have made a 180 degree turn. Everyone has the potential and most people deserve the chance. G-d help him come back.
Charles, May 31, 2017 1:52 AM
Well put.
Yes. Likewise G-d in his mercy extends his hand to me when I have strayed. I'm so thankful. I appreciate that you (and nearly you alone) seem to get it regarding Mr. Zuckerberg. Were I ever to become a multi-billionaire (which would not be good for me), would that I would handle it half as well as this man is doing, flaws and all.
(19) Kebe, May 29, 2017 6:12 PM
This was uplifting & inspiring.
In a throw away society, easy to be replaced, in Education that replaces God in many ways, Harvard years ago being a highly burn out philosophy of all work and no play or anything besides work, work, work, can suck the life out of you, and this inspiration, if you find yourself out of breathe, turn to the Life Giver, and let the Creator breathe new life & purpose within.
I needed this inspiration, thanks for writing on it..
(18) Anonymous, May 29, 2017 3:41 PM
I have to agree that Mark Zuckerberg provides little to no modeling for us as Jews. He is blessing his non-Jewish child. And? He allows Islamic hate speech on FB; he's no role model to any Jew. But Hashem is the true judge.
(17) Marvin Bigeleisen, May 29, 2017 3:21 PM
Great to remind us who we are.and should be.
Great to remind us who we are.and should be
(16) Anonymous, May 29, 2017 1:53 PM
Rich Zuckerberg
It is so easy for Zuckerberg to spout to others. He is one of the chosen ones whose life was meant to be one of riches beyond his dreams. There must be a reason. He worked hard and now he is reaping what he sowed. At the same time, he may say he is giving away 90 of his riches (his kids still won't starve) but other than his little "misherberach," we never see Zuckerberg as a proud Jew. Not allowing Holocaust deniers or Israel haters to post on Faceboo, that would be a start.. Yes, there is the first amendment, but he, Zuckerberg owns Facebook, and can enforce boundaries that do not incite hate. Does he invest in Israel? Has he been philanthropic to Jewish causes, and Israel? That would be the mark of a real Jew, albeit not one who is observant. Otherwise, Zuckerberg is a Jew when it suits him, just like all the other rich, self-hating liberal Jews. He might be impressive, but I am not impressed.
(15) MESA, May 29, 2017 1:36 PM
I don't think Rabbi Blech was trying to make Zuckerberg into a role model. Zuckerberg is what he is. But he made that speech at Harvard and said something profound from which we could all learn. That deserved to be shared no matter how we feel about what Zuckerberg does.
(14) Yossi, May 29, 2017 10:30 AM
A name doesn't make you a Jew...
...but observing the Shabbat is preserving your Jewish identity.I am trying to remember the last time when I saw him on Minian. Sad but true....never. His latest comments remind me of Lenin.He'd better think of making Tchuva than trying to be " homo novus socialistus ". Being so rich sounds pretty well to help the people but why are you not starting with your own people and you just keep trying to implement some socialist ideas inspired from Christian egalitarian vision which I can guarantee by living this nightmare that will never work.So Mr Zuckerberg do your job and remember that every human being is good at something and catastrophic at others.You were Designed by HaShem to bring me lectures from the Rabbis all around the world.Please do it.Thanx
(13) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 10:20 PM
To give credit where credit is due
This version of Mishaberach was composed by Debbie Friedman, z"l
(12) Marlene Josephs, May 28, 2017 8:05 PM
WOW!
Rabbi Blech...you surely inspired a cornucopia of comments above. Hope that you are happy with the mixed bag. Personally, I detest Markie for his self-loathing as a Jew and that he puts my children and grandchildren who live in Israel at risk because of he vile hate that allows on fb. G-D Is Watching and Taking note of everything and everyone...and I wouldn't want to be him...with all of his money and power. In the end, it matters not...the only thing that matters is what is important to G-D...
(11) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 7:27 PM
Why glorify Mark???
I'm sorry Rabbi but I'm very disappointed in you. There are so many Torah observant individuals out there who are good people and whose stories should be told to the public to inspire our people our children and teenagers to do good and chesed in life. You however decided to write about someone who's not Torah observant and is married to a non-Jew. Don't get me wrong I really like Mark and I'm happy for his accomplishments in life and wish him nothing but the best. Your article however teaches that only rich people like him should be honored just because they choose to use a simple Hebrew phrase in their speeches. HaShem chose And blessed Abraham because he was good not rich. What kind of message are you giving to our people? That Those Jews who reject our beautiful Torah and become rich in the secular world should be praised and glorified?? Your article unfortunately does more harm than good to our community and to our values as HaShem's people.
(10) Kenneth Wetcher, M.D, May 28, 2017 6:45 PM
Blessing
The prayer he recites is from Debbie Friedman's Mishebeirach and is much more accessible than the traditional mantra that is chanted so rapidly that no one knows what it says. I feel sad for those who wrote negatively about Mr. Zuckerberg's Jewishness. A spark of Jewishness is stronger than the flame of hate.
Mim, May 29, 2017 1:26 AM
Blessing
Amen, Kenneth Wetcher
Joseph Apicella, May 29, 2017 1:43 AM
Dr, Ken is right
To many gentiles, myself included, isn't it better to hear Mark's remembrance of his faith to his child then whether he fell in love outside of his faith but in the spirit of his faith. Charity the greatest of all virtues.
(9) Moedechai, May 28, 2017 5:02 PM
A one world government.
A friend of mine told me that she had read that in a speech he said "We are all world citizens." That sounds to me like he is promoting a one world government that I have heard for many years preached that will happen one day. I am not a citizen of this world, I am a citizen of heaven the place that our Father Avraham sought and found it.
(8) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 3:24 PM
Who are our role models?
Aish being an orthodox organization representing the Torah, you should not be using Mark Zuckerberg as an example to emulate, as he married a gentile woman which is an afront to the Torah.
(7) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 3:09 PM
Disappointing
we have much better role models......his child is not Jewish, his policies allow hate speech to be viral (especially towards Jews and Israel). disappointing to see that he is role model / inspiration..........
(6) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 2:40 PM
Very nice but...
I agree with the sentiments expressed in the Rabbi's article however I would say that the trend of social media, mainly started by Facebook have caused many ills in society such as narcissism , comparing oneself to others, the focus on superficiality and it has known to cause problems with forming and maintaining romantic relationships and can be detrimental to marriage. Also, Mark Zuckerberg is continuing a dangerous trend for the Jewish people which is intermarriage. The Orthodox communities understand these threats to Jews , that is why the internet is restricted and intermarriage is not permitted. Giving away your fortune to charity is very notable I agree... but the fortune could have also been more easily distributed in the first place and not used to create what is in my opinion a harmful creation i.e. Facebook.
(5) Daniel B., May 28, 2017 2:22 PM
Fishing for votes?
Mr. Zuckerberg identified as atheist, until he stated that he would consider running for president, adding that he also has become religious/spiritual. Which religion? He's taken by Buddhism, even praying before a statue of Buddha.
(4) Sharon, May 28, 2017 1:19 PM
no paragon
You have to respect his donating 99% of income to charity; not all billionaires do that even though he can still live as luxuriously as he likes with the money left. And I can understand Harvard choosing him as a speaker because he's done the thing all graduates wish to accomplish - make a lot of money. And I imagine much of his donations help other people.
But he is hardly a role model for us. If he hadn't created facebook, someone else would have done something similar, but the world was not improved by it - probably, the opposite is true. Let's not put the very rich up on a pedestal based on their bank accounts.
Sara, May 28, 2017 1:52 PM
Disagree
A very rich person who can still keep his ideals and know Who is in charge, is definitely someone to look up to.
(3) Sara, May 28, 2017 11:58 AM
Being a blessing
This is such a profound piece of writing. The line about being a blessing really inspires me. Thank you!
(2) Anonymous, May 28, 2017 11:21 AM
His daughter
It is just a shame that the daughter he prays with at night is not a Jew. He has no Jewish offspring to pass on his mesorah.
Shoshana, May 28, 2017 3:09 PM
his daughter
What a tragedy.
Debra M, May 28, 2017 3:20 PM
Not Jewish?
First, how do you know if she's legally Jewish or not? If Zuckerberg endows his child with Jewish wisdom and a Jewish education, she's a Jew. Apparently you missed his message. We are all one community. But you would not only break us down by religion, you would break us down within religion. What a shame.
The message to make our lives a blessing is beautiful. How nice that despite his wealth, or maybe because of it, Zuckerberg wants to teach that lesson to his daughter. And that is what will make her a good Jew, whether she eats bacon or not.
Sara, May 28, 2017 10:36 PM
Jew
Actually according to Jewish law she is not Jewish unless her mother is.
(1) H.E.Brown, May 28, 2017 10:45 AM
A blessing to others.
I hope I'm a blessing to others and not difficult.