This Sunday we will celebrate 104 years since the birth of ‘The Rebbe’ and it is to his life that this week’s message is dedicated.
More than a decade since his passing, his presence is palpable in every corner of the globe and his efforts to revive a post-holocaust generation continue at an exponential rate. Physically his is no longer with us but his teachings and the impression he has made remain timeless.
Two hundred years ago, when Rabbi DovBer was a young man, he lived in the same house as his father, Rabbi Schneur Zalman (founder of the Chabad movement). Rabbi DovBer and his family lived in the ground floor apartment, and Rabbi Schneur Zalman lived on the second floor.
One night, while Rabbi DovBer was deeply engrossed in his studies, his youngest child fell out of his cradle. Rabbi DovBer heard nothing. But Rabbi Schneur Zalman, who was also immersed in study in his room on the second floor, heard the infant's cries. The Rebbe came downstairs, lifted the infant from the floor, soothed his tears, replaced him in the cradle, and rocked him to sleep. Rabbi DovBer remained oblivious throughout it all.
Later, Rabbi Schneur Zalman admonished his son: "No matter how lofty your involvements, you must never fail to hear the cry of a child."
To me this story characterizes and encapsulates the Rebbe. While placing such strong emphasis on self-refinement and one’s personal service of the Almighty, the Rebbe always heard the cry of a child. The pain of every Jew was his pain. The joy of every Jew was his joy.
This year alone more than 2000 communal seders will be held on every corner of the globe, from Nigeria and Zambia to Katmandu and Chang-Mai to the Tri-Valley. The Rebbe has united the Jewish family.
Beginning in 1978 with President Jimmy Carter, the President of the United States has annually declared the Rebbe’s birthday as Education Day USA (click here for President Bush’s Declaration of 2006). A day dedicated to increasing acts of goodness and kindness, making the world a better place, and preparing us all for the era of redemption (Moshiach) – may he come speedily in our days.
Let us remember to always hear the cry of the child and commit ourselves to add one more mitzvah to our repertoire.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick