Next Shabbat we will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (5754-5779). We will talk a lot about his genius and his teachings, his work and his leadership. We will tell uplifting and moving stories about his concern for every Jew and his attention to even a small child. We will marvel at the miraculous miracles that were brought about by his blessings and prayers.
But these days, the days of preparation for the big day, should also be a time of soul-searching.
For the Rebbe not only brings about salvation for us and showers us with blessings, but also demands that we act and do. In fact, anyone who glances, even superficially, at his talks and letters sees in them a relentless demand – to continue in Torah and mitzvot, to excel in the service of God, to grow stronger in love for Israel, and to illuminate the world around us with the light of goodness and holiness.
The Pipe of Abundance
It is worth noting an interesting point: It is known that righteous people used to tie their blessings to some material thing. Some gave those seeking blessings something to eat or drink, and through this they worked salvation (and this is not the place to go into the explanation of these things). However, the Rebbe tied his blessings to actions of mitzvot. Those seeking blessings were instructed by him to inspect the tefillin and mezuzot. He gave those who came to him a dollar or two, thus making them "mitzvah messengers.".
Because this is the central demand that underlies the Rebbe's path and teachings – to illuminate the world with the light of Torah and the mitzvot. Almost every letter from the Rebbe contains a shot of encouragement to strengthen our regular Torah readings, to increase our charity giving, and to spread the light of Judaism in our surroundings.
Many times, when initiatives arose to give various gifts to the Rebbe, the Rebbe made it clear that the best gift in his eyes was for Jews to continue studying the Torah and observing its commandments. This is the main thing and this is the central mission of his life.
These instructions of the Rebbe are the conduit of abundance through which we receive his blessings. When we make good decisions, add more regularity to the Torah, be more diligent in observing the mitzvot, give more charity, strengthen our love of Israel, and work to spread the light of Judaism and Hasidism in wider circles – in this we become 'instruments' for receiving blessings and abundance.
Another 'little finger''
Therefore, these days are days of self-examination, to what extent we are doing and acting in this spirit. In Chabad communities across the country, there are many gatherings and conventions these days focused on this aspect – what we have done and what we still need to do.
In the confused and confused world we live in, the Rebbe paved a straight path for us to a healthy, happy, and contented life. In his Torah, he dispels mists, dispels doubts and doubts, illuminates clear paths, and urges us: "And choose life.".
From the beginning of his leadership, the Rebbe determined the destiny of our generation – to be the last generation of exile and the first generation of redemption.
He called on every Jew to join in this mission, of deciding the entire world for the sake of righteousness, and making it worthy of the coming of the Messiah. In more recent years, the Rebbe stated that everything is already ready for redemption. But perhaps there is still another 'little finger' missing, mine and yours. This is the demand of each and every one of us these days, so that we may soon attain complete redemption.
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