Last night we went to our Chabad House for a farbrengen (a joyous gathering) commemorating 30 years of the Rebbe’s passing.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson was the seventh and last Rebbe of the Chabad movement, one of the largest Hasidic movements in Judaism. Born in Ukraine on April 18, 1902, he became Rebbe in 1950 and led the movement until his passing on ג’ בתמוז, June 12, 1994
Upon becoming the spiritual leader of Chabad, (acronym for Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge), he encouraged the Jewish community to rise from the ashes of the Holocaust with vigor and faith. He drew inspiration from the Phoenix as mentioned in the Book of Job (29:18), a mythical bird whose name means “bird of sand” עוף חול, symbolizing renewal and immortality.
The Rebbe is renowned for his visionary leadership. He emphasized education, love for humanity, repairing of the world and the importance of spreading the teachings of Judaism. His initiatives include the establishment of Chabad houses globally, providing Jewish education, social services, and spiritual support. Today, there are Chabad communities in 86 countries around the world.
The Rebbe’s teachings, letters, and speeches are timeless and continue to influence Jewish thought and practice. With the alarming rise of antisemitism, his message is clear: “We must translate pain into action and tears into growth.”
“If you see what needs to be repaired and how to repair it, then you have found a piece of the world that God has left for you to complete. But if you only see what is wrong and how ugly it is, then it is you yourself that needs repair.”
May his memory be blessed ✡🌹🙏
