Rebbetzin Esther is in New York with thousands of her colleagues. They are enriching themselves at the International Kinus HaShluchos (which you can watch on Sunday). Meanwhile, I’m enriching my relationship with my kids. It’s a win-win.
Esther gets to meet colleagues from all over the world, drawing inspiration from their successes and challenges. She scoops up their ideas and inspiration, enthused to come back to Boise, energized and excited.
The kinus reminds me of the great pioneers; the men and women who traveled to the other side of the world – before Chabad was a household name. This week Chabad marked the passing of Rebbetzin Rochel Pinson, the Shlucha to Tunisia. She was 102 years old. Despite upheaval, danger and a dwindling Jewish community – she stayed at her post throughout 8 decades!
What drives a woman – who was born in the Soviet Union and whose father was murdered by the Stalinist regime for spreading Yiddishkeit – to spend her entire adult life in Tunis, apart from fellow Chabadniks? Tunisia had over 100,000 Jews 80 years ago. Today that population has declined by about 90%. Even after the passing of her late husband, Rabbi Nisson Pinson in 2007, Rebbetzin Pinson remained devoted to her Shlichus!
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In this week’s parsha Yitro, the Jewish people receive the Torah. This is a watershed event in world history.
On Day Six of Creation, the Torah says the famous words recited at Kiddush Friday night – Yom HaShishi, meaning the sixth day (unlike all other days of creation, where it says simply day one, day two, etc.). The Talmud teaches, that the definite article “the” alludes to a well-known sixth day, meaning the sixth day of Sivan, the date the Torah would be given over two thousand years later. The entire work of Creation was suspended for 26 generations until the Torah was given.
G-d essentially made a condition with all of Creation. If the Jews accept the Torah, the world will exist. If not, there is no purpose for Creation.
It was a contract with Heaven and Earth. If you want to exist, the Jews must accept the Torah.
And, this contract is eternal. Because it’s the very reason G-d created the world in the first place.
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The Rebbe sent Shluchim all over the world. They stay in their stations until over 100 years old – because they signed up for a lifelong contract, a contract to bring the world to its ultimate purpose. They made a deal long ago, and it’s just as valid today.
In Judaism, realizing this purpose has a fancy word called Moshiach – the period when the world achieves its entire objective. Until then, we still have work to do.
Now, you might have an inkling why Chabad is so obsessed with bringing Moshiach.
Hats off to the Shluchos – who juggle family and community. And, who will be at the front lines bringing Moshiach!