As you meet new people, you might realize you're different than them. Maybe you've already noticed. You might feel that you don't belong. This is because you have a mission to protect something very, very special. This special thing? It's a treasure passed down from superhero to superhero, all the way from a long time ago. This treasure is your faith which is unique. It makes you set-apart from the rest of the world.
You might notice that you do things a little differently from some of your friends. Maybe they celebrate holidays you don't, or eat foods you stay away from, like cheeseburgers and shrimp. Sometimes, they might not understand why you dress in certain ways, with your tzitzit or your kippah, and that might make you feel left out or different.
But here's a secret: being different in this way is exactly what it feels like to be a superhero. If you saw a picture of a superhero, you'd know it was a superhero. You're like a superhero wearing your cape proudly, showing the world the strength and beauty of being who you are. You're also signalling to other members of your superhero family, "I'm here to help!" Did you ever notice that superheroes don't usually wear what other people wear? They stand out! They look different. Think about what people say about superheroes. "He dresses differently, he acts differently, he's brave, he's strong, he's kind, he does good, he's helpful, he's not like us!"
Think of your kippah as your superhero helmet, keeping you strong and protected. It's a symbol of the world you are from, G-d's world! When you eat foods that are just right for you, and when you say "no thank you" to the foods that aren't part of your mission, you're using your superpowers to keep your body healthy and happy, just like how superheroes need to stay strong to save the day. Just like a superhero has a weakness, our weaknesses are when we fail to uphold the rules of our faith. It makes us weaker, and we become disconnected from our power source. When we get disconnected, we lose our power and have to recharge through prayer and deeds of kindness.
And when it comes to celebrating different holidays, imagine you're inviting everyone into a beautiful story that only you can tell. Your holidays are like a superhero family inviting people to their homes to retell all the superhero stories! And you get to pass down these stories, you're keeping the stories alive, sharing them with the world in your own superhero way. You, too, will have superhero children and be able to pass these holidays down to them too!
Even if sometimes it feels tough when others don't understand or when they make fun of your superhero outfit, remember, all great superheroes are different. That's what makes them special. You're brave like David fighting Goliath, showing the world that being true to who you are is the greatest superpower of all. When we stop being brave and we give in to our weakness and disobey G-d, we start to become ordinary. We lose the thing that makes us special.
So, next time you feel alone or different, remember, you're not just another kid; you're a superhero on an important mission. Your faith and love towards G-d and others are your superpowers, and your family, friends, and community are your superhero team, always there to support you and cheer you on.
Be proud, wear your superhero outfit with joy, and know that being different isn't just okay—it's what makes you amazing. You're not alone; you're part of a big superhero family that spans the whole world and history, all sharing the same mission of spreading light, love, and goodness. The more good deeds you do, the brighter you become, and your superpowers are in that brightness that is growing inside you, just waiting to get out!
Keep shining bright, young hero. The world needs your light, your stories, and your bravery now more than ever.
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