Several years ago, a young Jewish man from a remote town in Alaska moved to El Paso for personal and economic reasons. He contacted Chabad and was graciously invited to join my parents for Shabbat dinner. At one point during the meal, my father mentioned that he had recently spoken with his brother, Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, the Chabad Rabbi in Anchorage, Alaska. He remembers that this young man celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Chabad Center in Anchorage with an informal ceremony.
The young man admitted that he remembered doing something for his thirteenth birthday but that he could not recall the details of the ceremony let alone the name of the officiating Rabbi. My father smiled and said, “You might forget about Judaism, but Judaism does not forget about you.”
It turned out that a few months later he experienced a serious medical emergency here in town and only due to Chabad’s services did he receive the necessary treatment in time to save his life.
In this week’s parsha, Korach, the intelligent, wealthy and powerful cousin of Moses expressed frustration at the lofty elevated status of Moses’ leadership. “The entire nation is holy,” he argued. “Why is Moses so unique?” He felt that although Moses surely surpassed him in academics, piety and humility, they were surely within comparable levels and therefore should share the leadership of the masses.
Korach’s approach to leadership was fundamentally flawed. He thought that those on the higher end of the ladder received leadership positions by default. Torah has a different metric system for this.
Moses was chosen to be the leader of G-d's people after he demonstrated an extraordinary characteristic while tending Jethro’s flock. As a shepherd, he was dedicated to the welfare of the sheep, ensuring each one grazed in pastures best suited for their needs. But that was not enough.
Once, a tiny sheep strayed away from the flock and ran off into the wilderness. Moses ran after the little creature and returned it to the flock. No sheep was dispensable. This episode convinced G-d of his ability to lead the Jewish nation.
True Jewish leadership means to assume personal responsibility for every individual Jew. This is a position of soulful commitment not a political office acquired through elections or political intrigue.
In our time, the Rebbe assumed this responsibility for every individual Jew. The enormous empire of Chabad emissaries in every corner of the globe is the result of the Rebbe’s personal commitment to ensure that not a single Jew be forgotten to Judaism.
As we observe the Rebbe’s Yartzeit on the Third of Tammuz - Tuesday, June 27, reflect on how you can participate in the Rebbe’s mission to connect every Jew to G-d. Be inspired by the Rebbe’s message and encourage a fellow Jew to observe another mitzvah. Share the beauty of Torah with someone who knows less.
When we gather the entire Jewish family together, we will merit the arrival of Moshiach who will herald in an era of true peace and tranquility for all.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Levi Greenberg
Please click here for more information about the Third of Tammuz.
Please click here to learn more about the Rebbe.
