The world has been glued to the broad rescue efforts of so many for the Titan, a submersible watercraft containing five people seeking a glimpse of the Titanic. Unfortunately, we recently learned of the tragic fate of all five passengers.
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In the 1950s there weren’t many observant Jewish overnight camps in the US. One day, shortly after the Chabad movement opened one of the first such overnight camps in update New York, the Lubavitcher Rebbe got wind that another Jewish camp was about to fold.
When the Rebbe heard this, he immediately sent a message to this group, asking for a reason why they were planning to close their doors. The response was simple. We don’t have the funds to continue, they explained.
The Rebbe immediately offered to cover the shortfall, so long as they keep their doors open.
Despite the fact that the Chabad camp could have benefitted from a significant enrollment increase, the Rebbe insisted on helping others. To the Rebbe, Yiddishkeit must always advance. The goal is the growth of Judaism – not one person over another.
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In this week’s parsha Korach, we read about a mutiny against Moshe. Korach gathered a following of individuals and together they rebelled. After a series of events, it became clear that G-d was unhappy with this revolt. Two of Korach’s lead cohorts were Datan and Aviram.
The Torah tells that after the decrees was issued from Hashem that Korach and his men would be swallowed up by the earth, Moshe went over to speak with Datan and Aviram.
Why did Moshe approach them in conversation after their fate was sealed?
Rashi explains that Moshe engaged them in conversation to try to persuade them to mend their ways. Perhaps, after all, they could be saved if they repented.
Imagine. These are the people seeking Moshe’s demise and destruction. They were absolute antagonists.
Yet, to Moshe these were fellow Jews. They were his brothers.
Moshe insisted that no one can ever be left behind. Every person is worth investing our full energy in order to assist and uplift.
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Yesterday, I stood at the Rebbe’s holy burial place – along with tens of thousands of Jews from all walks of life. Why are so many thousands of Jews willing to stand in line for hours to spend 30 seconds praying at the gravesite of a man most of them never met?
Perhaps, it’s because great Jewish leaders like the Rebbe and Moshe Our Teacher spent their lives in consummate love of their fellows. Insatiable love for people that seem to have no connection or commonality – is the hallmark of a true leader.
Datan and Aviram witnessed the miracles of the Exodus and Sinai. Yet, they rebelled.
Still, Moshe could not fathom that even one soul be lost – materially or spiritually. Even his greatest enemies were worthy of boundless love.
Certainly, then, we must reach out to our fellows with deep-seated love and affection to help them materially and spiritually.
Let’s not wait for a universal tragedy. Reach out and help someone today.