Weekly Dvar Torah: Hoorah, or Hard Work?
6000 plus, fully vaccinated and covid-negative tested Chabad Shluchim, are meeting this week to learn and to dance, what really happens at this convention?
4 years ago, this is what I learned:
My take-aways from the International Chabad convention of Shluchim.
Story number one:
Rabbi Reitzes from Yesod Hamaale, a most secular village in Israel, was the first Sabbath observing Jew in town, when he arrived some 35 (now 39) years ago, he was the only Jew in that city who did not drive on the Shabbat.
One year on Yom Kippur his wife went into labor, and Reitzes drove his wife to the hospital, technically desecrating the Holiest day of the year, when even the most secular Jew won’t even think of driving on Yom Kippur.
Hot rumors in town swarmed about this crazy Rabbi, who on every Shabbat while everybody in town drives, he is the only one who does not drive, but on Yom Kippur when nobody drives, he is the only one who does drive.
They were so unaware of Jewish law that taking a birthing mother to the hospital, is not only allowed, but actually you must do so at the fastest speed, something that otherwise is totally forbidden.
That was then.
Now, some 35 (39) years later, this village which has a total of 400 families, boasts a synagogue attendance of close to 200 (today?) families, just about half the village!!!!
Story number two:
Rabbi Levitansky from Sumy, Ukraine, applied for a residence permit in Sumy, a border city with Russia; he was flat out denied a visa by Ukraine.
Rabbi Kaminetzky the well-connected Shliach from Dnepropetrovsk, inquired as to why the visa was denied, they responded by saying; how could it be that this person who comes from S. Monica, California, one of the most beautiful cities in America, why would he be so crazy to move to Sumy, a G-d forsaken city which barely has any running water?
The only possible explanation, they said, is, that he is either a spy with some nefarious underground activities to run in this border city, the other possibility is, that he suffers from a mental disorder, the Ukrainian government does not issue visas to neither, not to spies or to crazies!
Levitansky has now seen 11 (15) years of thriving Judaism in Sumy!!!
Story number three:
When Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz from Idaho came to introduce Judaism to Idaho some 15 (19) years ago, he felt like a salesman trying to sell fur-coats in Hawaii.
Although the Jewish population in Idaho is tiny, Rabbi Lifshitz has his hands full, serving their needs from cradle to grave, without a minute to spare.
Celebrating the 100th (now 108th) country where Chabad opened an outpost, which happens to be in Uganda (Nigeria), one is astounded and inspired by the total dedication of the Shluchim, where neither the lack of running water or not having a local Kosher butcher shop, are a concern, nothing will stop them from jumping at the opportunity of helping another fellow Jew.
Nobody comes to get a pat on the back, but all come to learn from one another how to work even harder and do so much more.
Such was the Rebbe’s cry 60 (now 64) years ago; Ufaratzta Yama Vakeidma Vetzafona Vanegba, you should spread forth, west, east, north and south, and all the nations of the earth will bless themselves by you.
23 (now 27) years after the Rebbe’s passing, his presence and his teachings continue to inspire thousands to complete this mission, and year after year it only gets stronger and better, as I witnessed this past weekend.
The Rebbe’s ultimate goal is to bring this blessing upon all the nations by spreading goodness and kindness, which will usher in the revelation of Moshiach speedily. Amen.
Have a far-reaching Shabbos, Ufaratzta!
Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
