My July 4th
Flying the flag, expressing our patriotism, and appreciating our country & the liberties it affords us – these are the sentiments and feelings that surrounds us as we enter this July 4th weekend.
For me, this year’s July 4th weekend carries with it an extra special measure of meaning and calling. This is because this year’s “holiday weekend” is sandwiched between two most significant dates; dates that – I believe - express the greatness of our country, dates that effected change on a global scale, and dates that have deep personal relevance to me and my family.
The first date was yesterday, the 28th of Sivan. On this day in 1941 – exactly 70 years ago - the Rebbe and his wife miraculously arrived safely on the shores of these United States, after narrowly escaping the Nazi onslaught in France. On the very day of his arrival, the Rebbe assumed responsibility and leadership of the outreach and educational arm of Chabad that was now to be based – for the first time - in the United States. CLICK HERE to read more.
The future of the American Jewish community at that time was uncertain. European Jewry was being decimated and many people had given up. Gone were the walls of the ghettos. For some that meant that gone were the traditions of their ancestors. This was the “golden land” and assimilating into the American melting pot was their only option – so they thought. Others longed with nostalgia. They sought to rebuild the Jewish ghettos in this country; seeking to isolate themselves and retain what little Jewish spirit and tradition they had left.
Yet, from that first day, the Rebbe was relentless. Not only would Judaism continue on these shores, the Rebbe took personally took the responsibility upon himself to ensure that the Torah - its joy, its lifestyle, and its beauty - would thrive in this country like never befor
And so it has been. Since the destruction of the temple nearly 2000 years ago, no other country has seen more yeshivas (Jewish schools), more mikvahs, more open display of Jewish practice, and more kosher restaurants! Never before has practicing Judaism been so trouble-free. Out of the ashes of the holocaust, we are witnessing - nothing short of - a modern day miraculous rebirth and explosion of genuine Judaism.
And so as we celebrate our country’s birth this weekend, we ought not to take for granted the luxury we have. 70 years ago, the Rebbe saw the potential our country would offer and today we see the fruition of that dream. The responsibility is ours. Will we take advantage of the holy opportunities this great country affords us?
Which brings me to the second date of significance: This Tuesday, the 3rd of Tammuz, marks the 17th yahrtzeit (anniversary of the passing) of the Rebbe.
Physically the Rebbe is no longer with us but his teachings and the impression he has made remain timeless. Though the Rebbe had no children he left behind a generation of orphans. A generation that today lives his legacy. His relentless call to increase in acts of goodness and kindness and make the messianic cream a reality echoes across the globe.
So on this coming Tuesday, as we celebrate the Rebbe’s life - I encourage you to do an extra mitzvah, learn a little extra Torah (you can visit our website), give a little extra charity, and/or open a siddur (prayer book) and connect with an extra prayer.
As in year’s past, on this day I will be traveling to NY to join tens of thousands praying at the Rebbe’s holy resting place. If you would like me to include your name in my prayers, or the names of anyone else, it would be my humble privilege to have you in mind as well and mention your name. Please email me ([email protected]) the name(s) and the mother’s name(s) (preferably the Hebrew or Yiddish names). If there's a specific need you would like me to pray for, please mention it as well.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
