Apple vs. Blackberry: A Deeper Truth About Life
Not long ago, BlackBerry dominated the smartphone market. Its signature physical keyboard and strong security made it the choice for corporate leaders and government officials worldwide. Then, in 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone—sleek, simple, and revolutionary. In just a few years, Apple transformed the tech world, while BlackBerry faded away. Why?
BlackBerry struggled because it failed to adapt. It clung to past successes and resisted change. Apple, by contrast, embraced innovation while staying true to its core values of creativity, simplicity, and user experience. This story is more than a business case study—it offers timeless lessons about growth, humility, and perseverance on the path to our own “promised land.”
Apple’s rise wasn’t instant. Twenty years ago, the company was near bankruptcy, losing $1 billion annually and written off by many. Everything changed when Steve Jobs returned and launched breakthrough products like the iMac, iPod, and eventually, the iPhone. Setbacks and challenges became stepping stones—success grew from small, consistent efforts fueled by perseverance.
Journeys of Growth: A Spiritual Reflection
This week’s Torah portion, Matos-Maasei, recounts the forty-two journeys the Israelites took through the desert after leaving Egypt, led by Moses and Aaron (Numbers 33:1). Though the Exodus was a single event, the Torah speaks of many “journeys” to highlight that growth is a process, not a single leap.
The Hebrew word for Egypt, Mitzrayim, also means “narrowness” or “constraints.” Spiritually, leaving Egypt represents breaking free from the limits of habit, ego, and convention, moving toward the “good, broad land” of our infinite potential.
Our journeys are ongoing. What once seemed expansive eventually becomes restrictive as we gain new wisdom. So, we must continually leave one “Egypt” behind to grow into the next level of our potential.
The Ba’al Shem Tov taught that these forty-two journeys mirror the spiritual paths we travel in life—in relationships, career, and faith. Growth can feel overwhelming, but it always begins with one small step: one mitzvah, one moment of Torah study, one positive change. These seemingly small acts connect us to our identity, to G‑d, and to others, guiding us toward our personal “promised land.”
Setbacks as Part of the Journey
The Torah’s journeys include challenges and setbacks, teaching us that struggles are a natural part of growth. When our goal is the “Holy Land”—the sanctification of the material world—even difficulties become catalysts for progress, pushing us toward our life’s mission and purpose.
Inspiration from Rabbi Akiva
Rabbi Akiva’s story reflects this truth. Once an unlearned shepherd, he saw how persistent drops of water could carve a stone. If water could do that, he reasoned, the Torah could gradually penetrate his heart. Starting at age 40, he dedicated himself to learning and became one of Judaism’s greatest sages. His success came not from genius, but from consistent effort, humility, and perseverance.
As the Talmud (Megillah 6b) teaches:
“If someone says, ‘I have toiled but not succeeded,’ don’t believe him. ‘I haven’t toiled but succeeded’? Don’t believe him. ‘I have toiled and succeeded’? Believe him.”
This Week: The Nine Days and the Power of Transformation
This week, as we enter the Nine Days, a period of mourning leading to Tisha B’Av—the day commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temples—we remember the hardships of exile. Yet exile also brings opportunity. The Talmud teaches that G‑d’s scattering of the Jewish people was an act of kindness, enabling us to be “a light unto the nations,” elevating the world through Torah and mitzvot wherever we are.
Final Thought: Keep Pedaling Uphill
Life is like riding a bicycle uphill—we must keep pedaling to maintain balance and progress. Whether in business, family or in faith, the key is to keep moving forward and not let yesterday’s limits define today.
The people of Israel reached the Promised Land not by a single leap, but through forty-two consistent, faith-driven steps. Similarly, every mitzvah, every act of kindness, every moment of learning becomes part of your journey—even failures.
Let us embrace this journey with courage and commitment, allowing every step to bring us closer to our personal and collective redemption. Together, may we soon reunite with all our brothers and sisters across the globe in the Land of Israel—and merit to rebuild the Third Temple in Jerusalem with the coming of Moshiach, speedily and in our days!
