I’m in New York. I have been helping an elderly woman settle into a new phase of her life, moving from Idaho to New York. Although it has involved lots of challenges, it’s been a great privilege and honor.
This Shabbat, I will turn my attention to something else. I will join tens of thousands of Jews paying homage to the 24th yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. 24 years later and the crowd each year doesn’t get any smaller – it only gets bigger.
What is it about Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson that draws so many people together and – in contrast to expected gradual decline in attention – only intensifies with the passage of time?
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In this week’s eponymous parsha Korach, a cousin of Moshe’s named Korach leads a mutiny. He gains momentum in his popular revolt against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. Ultimately, he fails and he and his people are swallowed up by the earth.
Korach was no fool. He certainly realized the tremendous success that Moshe had brought the Jewish people and his great spiritual stature. So, why risk it all in an effort of futility?
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Korach had a deeper agenda. He reasoned that everyone is equal – that no one stands larger than another. He reached this conclusion because of his devotion to Torah! After contemplating the radical shift in theology of the Giving of the Torah, it dawned upon him that G-d cares about the bottom line – doing a mitzvah. Other cultures and religions may promote love and faith as the ultimate objectives. But Judaism embraces action.
If G-d prefers eating kosher to meditation, lending a helping hand over feelings of love – then we are all equal. We don’t need Moshe. We are all capable of serving as foot soldiers – and that’s exactly what Hashem desires!
What started as a spiritual awakening ended as a tragic schism.
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Since we are observing the Rebbe’s yahrzeit, I’ll share an analogy of his to help us understand Korach’s fatal flaw.
A mitzvah is comparable to a diamond. If a diamond is not clean, instead of dispersing light brilliantly, the filth on its surface obscures light.
Korach was correct that we are all equally capable of making this world a holy place for G-d. Each mitzvah we do indeed transforms the world into a sacred and hospitable home to Hashem. However, G-d desires a home in which He not only dwells, but shines.
A mitzvah without kavana (devotion/love and awe) is lifeless and dark. In this respect Moshe was head and shoulders above the rest. His mitzvot radiated the world, unclouded by ego, insincerity or routine.
In order for our mitzvot to shine we need the direction and leadership of Moshe.
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In our times, no one has made mitzvah observance grow and shine more than the Lubavitcher Rebbe, may his merit continue to protect us.
Helping an older woman move across the country is the goal. But, where does one draw the energy, compassion and respect to do it with joy and appreciation?
For that, I am inspired by my mentor and teacher, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I know the Rebbe, in his consummate humility, would never admit it. But, his impact on the world continues to grow larger and larger, changing lives for good.
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A woman once offered thanks to the Rebbe for his assistance. In a fascinating letter, the Rebbe responded that the greatest expression of gratitude one can give to the Rebbe is by joining him in his holy work of changing the world for good, one mitzvah at a time.
At this holy moment, I pray that I too can offer my small thanksgiving to a man that changed my life forever.
P.S. If you would like me to mention your name and the names of your loved ones in prayer at the holy resting place of the Rebbe, please email me with (if known) your Jewish name, your mother’s Jewish name and any specific prayer requests.