To Life!
This week’s message I write from Chabad World Headquarters in New York at the International Convention of Shluchim (Chabad Emmisaries). On this weekend some 2000 Chabad Rabbis from across the globe representing 68 countries and 48 states convene for an inspirational annual reunion.
Allow me to convey some of energy and warmth that is being shared here this weekend (although the ‘cold’ technical piece of equipment called a computer might not do it justice).
Last night I was surrounded by colleagues and Rabbis. To name a few at my table alone:
Mendy Alperovitch – Mogilev, Belarus, Chaim Drukman – Luzern, Switzerland
Mendy Gerlitzky – Tel Aviv, Israel Avremi Greenberg – Pudong, China
Schneur Kesselman – Malmö, Sweden Chaim Lazaroff – Houston, TX
Asher Yaras – Rochester, NY Fishy Zaklos – Naples, FL
And out if all places we wound up in Pleasanton, California!
Together we sat together sharing stories, experiences, and words of inspiration. We discussed the ideas, passion, and vision of The Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneersohn – 1902-1994 – leader of Chabad ) who is still the guiding force empowering our daily activities. And over the weekend we will continue to strengthen each other thereby enabling us to more effective bring the warmth of Judaism to every corner of the world.
Nothing is coincidental. This convention takes place on the week that we read the Torah Portion titled “Chayei Sarah” – “The Life of Sarah”. Yet strangely, the entire portion is dedicated to describing the events that transpired after Sarah’s passing. Why then do we title the portion “The Life of Sarah”?
The answer is that the true power of Sarah’s life was seen after her passing. By her son Isaac following in her footsteps, by Isaac committing himself to the ethics and values his mother Sarah had set forth – Sarah remained alive. And therefore the title “The Life of Sarah” is most appropriate.
More than 10 years after his passing, the Life of the Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneesohn – the Leader of Chabad) is more palpable than ever before. His far reaching effect and impact on world Jewry through his Shluchim (Chabad Emissaries) is more vibrant and visible than during his physical lifetime. Hence, like our patriarch Sarah, the Rebbe’s legacy and life - lives on even after his physical passing.
Let us continue this legacy and do one more Mitzvah today.