Nothing To Do With the Logistics

Rabbi Leibel Fajnland – Chabad of Reston-Herndon

Recently we’ve (Chabad) been in the news, and while the chatter and prattle of the haters – whose ignorance is even more shocking than their hatred – doesn’t really need to be dignified with a response, it has had one positive effect: people are asking about Chabad.

And that’s actually a good thing. It’s also why I’m writing this post.

Another reason I’m writing is because Chabad is unique in how it works. Everything we do is made possible entirely through the generosity of friends and supporters in the community. That means the mitzvot, the acts of kindness, the help extended to strangers and friends alike, those aren’t “ours.” They belong to all of us. Our ability to serve is thanks to your partnership and vision, so you deserve to know what it is that you are part of.

The vision of the Rebbe is not limited to building Jewish institutions. His vision is in fact far broader: a Jewish world alive with purpose and learning, and a humanity uplifted by acts of goodness, kindness, and moral responsibility. A world where every individual recognizes that their small act can illuminate a dark corner of the world, and bring humanity redemption His philosophy, from the very beginning, is that a vibrant Jewish life must radiate outward, creating a world where people feel responsible for one another and where small acts of goodness transform lives.

I saw that vision come to life today.

Just before Shabbat began, we received a call. A group of about 75 Jewish students – yeshiva boys and seminary girls, would possibly be landing at Washington Dulles International Airport this morning after a very difficult few days. Their journey took them from Tzfat, Israel, to Jordan, where they ended up stranded for nearly a week due to the war and repeated flight delays. They spent days confined to a hotel, with very little proper food, doing their best to keep kosher and keep their spirits strong until they could finally fly out.

By the time they would land here, they would be exhausted and hungry – and they would still need a way to get home to New York City.

The confirmation came only after Shabbat. That left just a few hours to figure out how to feed 75 hungry Jewish students who hadn’t had a proper meal in days, and to arrange buses large enough to transport them and their luggage to NY.

Why did they call us?

Because that’s what Chabad does. Not just here, but all over the world. When Jews find themselves far from home and in need of help, they know there’s a Chabad somewhere they can call.

Thankfully, and with G-d‘s help, boxed catered meals and snacks were arranged, buses were secured, and the group was able to regroup, eat a real meal, and begin the journey north.

But the moment that struck me most had nothing to do with the logistics.

I watched some of these young students, who themselves had barely eaten, offering food to fellow passengers from their flights simply because someone else might be hungry. And they even found a few folks that were stranded here as well and offered them seats on the bus. Including a young man who just lost his father, and who would now thankfully be able to get back to his family, in time for the last day of Shiva.

No announcement.

No instructions.

Just responsibility for others.

This is the Rebbe’s vision in action. This is Chabad. And if that lights a fire in your heart, well, welcome to the club. You’re officially a Chabadnik. And if you’ve ever wondered what animates a Chabadnik, it’s moments exactly like this. So thank you dearest friends for making it all possible.