Despite the sea of black hats, I feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m in New York, attending the annual Kinus Hashluchim, the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries.
On the one hand, these are all my brothers-in-arms. It’s a fabulous, uplifting, and invigorating experience! A true delight for the soul!
On the other hand, Chabad has – Thank G-d – grown so much that I know less and less Shluchim as the years go on. And, the age gap with the newcomers continues to grow.
But, it’s not the lack of acquaintance that has me overwhelmed. It’s their success! I see young men – and their wives and families – who have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. They have built communities, brought people together, inspired so many young people to discover Judaism, and transformed the landscape of Judasim in their respective communities. A recent survey by the Jewish Federations of North America shows Chabad as the leading Jewish movement for the post-October 7 “surge” in Jewish activity.
I am in awe of what they have accomplished.
As I stand with my jaw dropped at the unbelievable “bounce” that Yiddishkeit is experiencing around the world, I am left to ask, “How is this possible?” How can a group of 6300+ couples - who look like they belong in Brooklyn or Jerusalem - be the linchpin of Jewish revival for students at Duke University, for travelers in Patagonia, for secular Israelis in Cyprus, for soccer moms in Texas, and for young professionals in Florida?
Here's a little secret. I know many of these people. They are good. They are amazing. And, I’m still in awe. They can’t be that good. They are obviously punching above their weight.
What’s their secret?
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Let’s look at the Parsha, Chayei Sara, for a clue.
When Eliezer, Avraham’s servant, was dispatched to find a match for his master’s son Yitzchak, he was certain that his mission would be met with success.
He gave Rivka (Rebecca) gifts without even knowing that she met the conditions set out by his master. Why was he so certain?
Perhaps he simply had faith in G-d? He knew that his mission would succeed because he believed in the holiness and righteousness of his undertaking.
A closer examination of the text, however, displays that he harbored secret hopes that his mission might fail. When asking Avraham what to do if it doesn’t work out, he was actually intending to offer his own daughter as a bride to Yitzchak.
It seems, then, that he wasn’t the most perfect individual imaginable. In fact, Avraham rejected the suggestion of Eliezer’s daughter, asserting that he was unworthy.
So, we are left with the question: How could Eliezer display such utter confidence and faith, when he had his own flaws and biases?
The key lies in how he viewed his own role. When introducing himself to Rivka’s family, he does not play up his own qualities. Instead he simply states, “I am the servant of Avraham.” He leaves out his own bio. He is only here to represent a cause greater than himself.
By omitting his own accolades, he becomes part of something larger than his own identity and talents. Left to his own devices, his faith and perseverance may falter.
But, as Avraham’s servant, he is destined to carry forth the qualities – and success – of his master.
Similarly, the common denominator among the thousands of Shluchim is their devotion to the Rebbe’s mission. They don’t see themselves as rising up a corporate ladder for Yiddishkeit. They have already arrived at their destination. Being a cog in the wheel is exactly what they are looking for. It is their smallness that creates the greatness of the mission.
In life, we can choose to go it ourselves. We may have lots to offer. And, we may find tremendous success. But, our success will always be limited to our own talents.
The only way to surpass our own talents and qualities, is to become a small part of something much, much bigger.
Looking at the radical success of so many Shluchim this weekend, I’m reminded that we each can be part of something much bigger than ourselves. When we do so, anything is possible.
Smaller, it turns out, is really bigger.
This Shabbat, let’s recommit to being a small part of a “big” nation. Am Yisrael Chai.