This Shabbat I will be in New York in observance of the Rebbe’s 22nd yartzeit. I would like to share my thoughts with regard to this auspicious day.
Many question the need for a Tzaddik (saintly person) to pray and to intercede by G-d on their behalf. The mystery grows when after the passing of the Tzaddik we continue to visit the resting place to pray and submit petitions for blessing. About the Rebbe in particular, many wonder why he was not interred in Israel, as has been done for many great Jewish leaders and sages throughout history.
This week I was privileged to participate in the wedding of the daughter of the Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Santa Fe, NM. It was a beautiful and joyous affair and I wish the young couple a blessed and happy life together. They should merit to continue the legacy of their illustrious family to be standard bearers of the Rebbe’s message of unconditional love for Judaism and Jews everywhere.
In the 322 miles from El Paso to Santa Fe there are four beautiful and vibrant Chabad Centers catering to the spiritual needs of all Jews regardless of their background. El Paso, Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The driving force behind these miraculous outposts of Jewish joy is the Rebbe. In his firm belief that every Jew truly desires a deeper connection with Judaism, the Rebbe empowered his disciples to sacrifice all to deliver Judaism with a smile to every frontier no matter how remote. It should be available to everyone.
At Sinai we received the Torah from G-d through Moses. He was the first tzaddik to serve in the role of a translucent conduit between G-d and the people. He was not only a teacher, he successfully served as their staunchest advocate even when they were in the most troubling circumstances religiously and spiritually. This crucial role was filled by the great leaders in each generation.
In our times, the Rebbe inspired a renaissance of Jewish observance and education, but more importantly was known to be the quintessential advocate on our behalf. Daily he received thousands of petitions for prayer and blessing and patiently addressed each one. This reality continues today as well. The diverse crowd that can be found at the Ohel (the Rebbe’s holy resting place in Queens, NY) at any hour of the day or night bears testimony to the fact that we are keenly aware that the Rebbe continues to inspire our path forward and serves as our tireless advocate on high.
This is why the Rebbe chose to be interred in the Diaspora. Maritime law dictates that the captain of a ship leaves last. As Am Yisrael continues to ride the stormy seas of exile, the Rebbe continues to serve as our captain and cannot afford the luxury of burial in the Holy Land.
Therefore, in observance of the Rebbe’s yartzeit I will be at the Ohel to pray on behalf of my family and the Jewish community of El Paso. I will report on the great strides we have made as a community over the past three decades and request a special blessing that we succeed in growing our capacity to serve every Jew in the region.
It will be a pleasure and honor for me to deliver petitions of blessing on your behalf or to mention your name in my personal petition. Please email [email protected] to be mentioned in prayer on this auspicious day at such a holy place.