Weekly Dvar Torah: Jumping Over Obstacles – Lessons from the Rebbe Maharash

On the second day of Iyar, we celebrate the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, also known as Harav Reb Shmuel, the fourth Rebbe of Lubavitch. He taught us an important lesson that became famous through the words of the Rebbe: “די וועלט זאגט, אז ווען מען קען ניט ארונטער דארף מען אריבער, און איך זאג אז מ’דארף לכתחילה אריבער” = “The world says that if you cannot crawl under, try to leap over. However, I say it is necessary to leap over from the outset!”

This idea of leaping over obstacles from the very beginning became a symbol of what the Rebbe called a Baal Shem’ske behavior, akin to the conduct of the Baal Shem Tov. It means rising above challenges, never letting obstacles deter you from your path.

There’s a famous story about the Besht, who instructed his students to collect icicles from the roof and then lit them like candles. This was a play on words in Yiddish, in which icicles are called אייז ליכטעלעך = Ice candles. He did this to illustrate the concept of leaping over. The world may say that icicles cannot burn like candles, but the Besht showed that with faith, even seemingly impossible things can be achieved.

In life, people often say we must work within the confines of the world, to be realistic and avoid risks. But the Rebbe teaches us to rise above, to take risks, because we are not limited by the constraints of the world. This attitude leads to success beyond limitations.

The Rebbe loved this idea and encouraged his followers to embrace it. Let’s explore some practical applications of leaping over obstacles in both spiritual and worldly matters.

When setting up a business, think big. Invest boldly to expand and increase your income. The world may caution against risks, but the Rebbe advises to leap over conventional wisdom.

Similarly, when buying a house, don’t limit yourself. Think ahead and aim high. This mindset of leaping over can lead to greater achievements.

Even in simple things like decorating your home, don’t be hesitant. Create a comfortable environment that fosters relaxation and peace. This is leaping over mediocrity.

Choose joy over worry. Instead of being weighed down by daily pressures, approach life with happiness. Joy enhances productivity and breaks through boundaries.

View your job not as a burden, but as a mission from G-d. Embrace it with positivity and purpose. This mindset shift is leaping over negative attitudes.

Forge friendships regardless of status. Just as Yosef befriended the sons of the maidens, rise above social barriers for greater connections and success.

In serving Hashem, do it joyfully. Joy removes barriers between you and G-d, inviting His presence into your life.

Approach marriage with trust in G-d’s providence. Instead of worrying about worldly concerns, focus on fulfilling the Divine purpose of building a Jewish home.

This attitude of leaping over is crucial year-round, but especially on the Rebbe Maharash’s birthday. It empowers us to rise above limitations and fulfill our potential.

So, let’s embrace this lesson and leap over obstacles in our path. With faith and determination, we can achieve greatness beyond measure.

Have a leaping Shabbos,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman