The Eye That Couldn’t Be Satisfied – A Jewish Wedding Reflection on Enoughness By Cantor Ben Silverberg

Let me tell you a story that sounds like it’s from a movie—but it’s straight out of Jewish tradition.

Alexander the Great—yes, the famous conqueror—was once bragging about how rich he was. He had mountains of gold, sparkling jewels, and treasures from every land he’d conquered. But the Jewish sages challenged him with a very strange test. They told him: “Put all your treasure on one side of a scale… and on the other side? Just one human eyeball.”

That’s right—an eyeball.

He laughed and did it. But the scale wouldn’t move. The eyeball was heavier. He added more treasure. Still nothing. Piled on even more. The scale stayed tipped toward the eye.

Alexander was stunned. “What kind of magic is this?”

And the rabbis said something wise: “The human eye represents desire. And desire? It’s never satisfied.”

That’s when Alexander understood. He took some dust and gently covered the eyeball—and only then did the scale shift in favor of the gold.

Now you’re probably thinking… “Okay, that’s weird, but what does it have to do with me?”

Everything.

We live in a world that constantly tells us we’re not enough. Not rich enough, not successful enough, not loved enough. Every time we scroll social media, we’re told: “You need more to be happy.”

But Jewish wisdom teaches something radically different: true satisfaction isn’t found in having more—it’s found in appreciating what you already have. The Hebrew phrase is “Sameach B’Chelko”—to be content with your portion.

That’s why I love officiating Jewish weddings like the one I recently led for Paul and Shauna in Toronto. Their Jewish wedding ceremony wasn’t about flashy décor or showy traditions. It was about intentionality. It was about presence. It was about love.

Their Jewish Wedding Toronto moment was filled with everything that makes Jewish wedding traditions so meaningful—standing under a Jewish wedding chuppah, holding hands while signing their Jewish wedding ketubah, sharing heartfelt Jewish wedding vows, and dancing joyfully in the Jewish wedding hora.

But what I appreciated most wasn’t what they had—it was what they brought. They brought humility. They brought gratitude. They brought a sense of peace and satisfaction that felt deeply aligned with the spirit of Jewish wedding customs and Jewish wedding rituals. I had the honor of officiating as their Jewish Wedding Cantor (mentored by a great Jewish wedding Rabbi), and I saw in them something rare: a couple that already felt like they had “enough.”

Because here’s the truth: the best Jewish wedding services—the most memorable Jewish wedding receptions, the most moving Jewish wedding celebrations—aren’t the ones filled with extravagance. They’re the ones grounded in tradition, honesty, and connection.

Paul and Shauna’s Jewish wedding planning wasn’t about impressing people. It was about expressing their shared values. Whether choosing their Jewish wedding venue, selecting Jewish wedding music, picking out Jewish wedding decorations, or working with their Jewish wedding photographer, every choice reflected who they were, not what others expected.

And that’s the key: When you believe that “enough” exists, you stop chasing approval. You stop comparing your Jewish wedding attire to someone else’s, or your Jewish wedding invitations to the ones trending on Pinterest. You start celebrating your own story—even the small, quiet, beautiful parts.

Judaism reminds us that when we feel full, we give more freely. We celebrate with sincerity. We love with depth. And we step into sacred moments—like a Jewish wedding ceremony or a Jewish newborn ceremony—with open hearts and clear minds.

From a life coaching lens, that’s not just spirituality. That’s strategy.

When your mindset is rooted in contentment, you don’t burn out. You don’t envy. You lead from within.

So here’s your weekly challenge:1. The next time you feel the tug of comparison—pause. Whisper the words “Sameach B’Chelko.” I am enough. I have enough.2. Think of one moment from your wedding, or a wedding you’ve attended, that wasn’t about the money or the glitz—but about the meaning. Write it down. Reflect on it.3. Each night this week, name one thing you’re grateful for that money can’t buy—like a warm laugh with your partner, or a memory from your Jewish wedding dance.

And now I’d love to hear from you…

Have you ever wanted something so badly, only to find that it didn’t bring lasting happiness? Or—what’s one small thing in your life right now that brings you genuine joy?

Send me a note. I read every message.

And if you’re planning a Jewish wedding in Toronto—or even just curious about Jewish wedding traditions—I’d be honored to guide you. From traditional Jewish weddings to modern Jewish weddings, from baby naming ceremonies to Jewish baby naming rituals, I bring my heart and heritage into every sacred moment.

Let’s celebrate what matters.

Thanks for reading,Cantor Ben Silverberg