Social Media

What common features do social media networks and platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter share that make them so appealing to consumers? Although each platform has its own unique features and applications, they all tap into a fundamental human need: the desire for connection.

Human beings were created by G-d with a natural desire to connect with others and become part of something greater than ourselves. This innate drive forms the basis for communities, business networks, social clubs, peer groups, and, of course, families.

In today’s world, where social networks and interactions are more prevalent than ever, it is surprising to find that recent studies reveal 3 in 5 Americans feel lonely. These feelings of isolation affect people across generations. Generation Z—those aged 18 to 22 when surveyed—had the highest average loneliness score, while Baby Boomers had the lowest.

So, how can we reverse the erosion of community values and rebuild meaningful relationships and healthy family structures? More importantly, what lessons can we incorporate into our homes and pass on to our children to help them build enduring relationships and eventually create their own families?

In general, relationships involve two or more people who form a bond based on shared values or interests, while maintaining their individuality and autonomy. However, the bond between a husband and wife represents a unique connection. In the process of building a family together, they become united.

At the very beginning of time, G-d said to Adam, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a suitable helper” (Genesis 2:18). The Torah teaches that G-d originally created Adam and Eve as one person, and later separated them. He then instructed them to reconnect through marriage and family building. As the verse states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Commentaries explain that through their children, the husband and wife become like “one flesh.”

Many of the laws and responsibilities related to Jewish marriage come from a few verses in this week's Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, including the verse, “When a man takes a bride, he shall not go out with the army or be assigned any duty; he shall be free for one year for the sake of his household, to bring joy to his wife” (Deuteronomy 24:5).

The marriage between husband and wife is a sacred bond, a reunion of two half-souls. The Talmud teaches that forty days before an embryo is formed, G-d has already decreed whom that person will marry. It then becomes the person’s mission to seek out their soulmate, their Bashert.

The Talmud elaborates on this topic and shares the key to a successful marriage: “Rabbi Akiva taught: If a man [ish] and woman [isha] merit reward through a faithful marriage, the Divine Presence rests between them. The words ish- איש and isha- אשה are almost identical; the difference between them is the middle letter yud in ish, and the final letter heh in isha. These two letters can be joined to form the name of G-d spelled yud and heh.

If the couple merits, they combine the energy they each possess to create a G‑dly fire: constructive energy that can be used to fuse together the different elements of their existence into a comprehensive whole. If, however, their union is devoid of G‑dliness (G‑d's name is removed), all that is left is fire, unharnessed energy that can wreak havoc and destruction.

Each person has a unique character and potential, making complete communication and sharing challenging, sometimes resulting in loneliness. What a man and woman truly seek in marriage is connection—a bond that allows them to transcend their individuality and truly share with another.

How can this be achieved, given our natural self-interest? When both partners commit to a shared, selfless purpose, they transcend their ego and focus on the other’s benefit, not just their own. This is achieved through “the fire of G-d.” A Jewish home has three partners: husband, wife, and the Divine Presence, creating harmony.

It is an old Jewish custom to bless newlyweds with the wish that they “build an everlasting home on the foundations of Torah and mitzvot.” This timeless blessing encapsulates the secret to a happy marriage.

There are practical ways to implement these ideals in family life, such as spending time together at Shabbat and holiday dinners, engaging in charitable projects with your spouse and children, studying Torah together, and observing the mitzvah of immersion in the mikvah, which brings purity and harmony to the home.

These values apply to all relationships, whether between friends, business partners, coworkers, or acquaintances. Relationships built on mutual trust, selflessness, and shared values can overcome obstacles and thrive.

While social media has its benefits when used appropriately, it should never replace the importance of investing in meaningful personal relationships and family life.

Though the responsibility for building a strong family is shared by both husband and wife, the Torah teaches that women have a greater influence on family values and priorities. Our sages say, “In the merit of righteous women, we were redeemed from Egypt.” Even in the dire conditions of Egyptian slavery, when men lost hope in building families, the women held faith that redemption would come and continued building the Jewish future.

As the prophet Micha says, “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show you wonders.” Just as the redemption from Egypt came through the merit of Jewish women, so too will the future redemption come through their influence, as they continue to instill Jewish pride and values in their families and ensure the continuity of our people.