This 5th of July — the 3rd of Tammuz on the Jewish calendar — marks the yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory.
Countless articles and books have been written about the “Lubavitch phenomenon” — how the movement which was crafted and personally led by the Rebbe has practically doubled in size since his passing 17 years ago, and continues to grow ever larger and stronger.
The world is amazed, watches in awe and continues to adopt more and more of the programs, once unique to Lubavitch, inspired by the Rebbe.
What is it about the Rebbe’s teachings and modus operandi that made him so unique, distinguished, and, in fact, quite often misunderstood?
I recently stumbled upon a JTA report on “an academic conference about the Rebbe and his philosophy.” It begins with the following statement:
“‘Reaching the Infinite: The Lubavitcher Rebbe: Life, Teaching and Impact’ was more apt a title for the conference … than even its organizers may have realized. Trying to convey the impact of the late rabbi, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson … was a little like reaching for the infinite with arms only inches long.”
Accordingly, it would be presumptuous for me to attempt to capture the Rebbe’s distinguishing mark. However, wishing to learn from the Rebbe’s guidance, I will attempt to convey an overview of three points of the Rebbe’s teachings that set him apart.
The Rebbe walked a tightrope, balancing two seemingly distinct worlds, as he was concentrating on the core of any given issue, focusing on the goal he set for himself, the mission of Judaism and the destiny of the Jewish people and the world.
• Although the Rebbe was uncompromising in his personal observance of Torah and the commandments, with a sensitivity to the most minute detail and nuance, the Rebbe was very open in his acceptance of others whose lifestyles and opinions were diametrically opposite of his.
He treated them with the greatest respect and affection, offering his hand and assistance with their personal needs and showering them with blessings. This became the clarion call to his students, followers and shluchim (representatives): Maintain a Chassidic way of life without compromise, be diligent in your study of Torah and observance of the commandments; but, go out to even the most remote places where Jews may find themselves without a community, Torah observance or Jewish education, to reach out and share their birthright and heritage.
• Philosophically, regardless of personal observance, the Rebbe saw in every Jew his or her essence, a yiddishe neshomo, a Jewish soul.
Even while knowing the differences that exist between people, their ideals and lifestyles (after all he was working to upgrade their knowledge, commitment and observance!), nevertheless he cut through the outer trappings and focused on the inner soul, where he saw beauty, potential, unity.
He reached straight to the core of the soul, a place where all Jews are equal — children of the One G-d.
• The Rebbe was selfless. He lived in a modest home and conducted himself in a humble fashion. It was also manifested in his encouragement of everyone he came into contact with, to become a leader.
In the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, “The Rebbe was not seeking followers. Rather, he sought to create leaders.”
He imparted this spirit to his shluchim. He taught them to reach out to others, not for personal aggrandizement, nor to build their careers and personal success (nothing wrong with that when it happens). Rather it is for the sole purpose of helping other Jews get in touch with their Jewishness.
These are some of the Rebbe’s teachings that continue to inspire people to this day set out — with one-way tickets in hand — to the four corners of the world, to find Jews and help them return to their roots.
How appropriate that the Rebbe’s yahrzeit coincides with the Torah reading of Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9, Haftarah Micah 5:6-6:8), that describes the mission, uniqueness, unity, and destiny of our people.
Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin is executive director of Lubavitch of Wisconsin.
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