It’s been a miraculous week. The terrible nuclear threat overhanging Israel and the entire world, thwarted.
People close to the Israeli Prime Minister quote him as saying, “I feel like we have a great Heavenly presence”. And when asked how he didn’t break down due to the immense stress he answered, “we are on a mission”.
To be sure, leadership requires courage. Yet mere belief in personal capabilities without the Heavenly presence, can only go so far.
In this week’s parsha we read of Moses’s cousin Korach who contests Moses's leadership — feeling that his own credentials should earn him a more prominent position.
Clearly, he missed the point. It’s not about credentials nor is it about position, it’s about “mission”. The mission upon which we were placed on this earth for and for which Gd gives us the capabilities to actualize.
This weekend is the 31st Yarzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. When taking the helm of the Chabad movement he immediately issued a declaration that he would assist everyone in their mission but it wasn’t he alone who was going to carry the burden. It was a collective mission to rebuild Judaism — one paced on each and every one of us— making this world a more Gdly and goodly place.
The results of his leadership speak for themselves and are nothing short of staggering.
Yet what’s most staggering isn’t what he accomplished in his lifetime, rather, what continues to be accomplished beyond his lifespan. His continued guidance and inspiration that motivates multitudes to strive higher in their individual, “unique mission”.
Ultimately, we each have our own unique mission and when we engage in it — we are assisted from above. Moreover, when attuned, we feel the Heavenly presence at our side.
Today also signifies the end of the first week at Gan Izzy. The energy of Jewish pride and continuity is electric. The future is bright and though the work is far from done, we can all take a moment to appreciate the great miracles and the Heavenly presence that are there at our sides to elevate us in our mission!!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
P.S. Here's a snippet of the Rebbe speaking about Body & Soul..
P.P.S. I, together with tens of thousands, will be praying at his resting place on Sunday -- if you wish to be included for a blessing please email me your Hebrew name and mother's name..