Rabbi’s Shabbat Message
A WEEK OF BLESSINGS!
Chodesh Tov!
There’s an old saying: “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” This week has certainly been one of those!
The stunning military actions of the U.S. and Israel have ended the so-called “12-day war” with Iran. What many feared could escalate into a regional disaster became a testimony to courage, strategy, and G-d’s protective hand. With Hashem’s help and the brilliance of the two most powerful militaries in the world, we welcome a new era of hope and peace, not only in Israel but in the world.
On a personal note, this week, our family experienced our own “12 days of blessings.” On day one of the war, our daughter Leah gave birth to a precious baby girl. On day 12, just as the U.S. successfully struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, our daughter Mushka gave birth to a baby boy. I pray that my grandchildren, and all of yours, will grow up in a world of peace, purpose, and prosperity.
Today is Rosh Chodesh Tamuz, and this Motsi Shabbat, the 3rd of Tamuz, marks the yahrzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose light continues to guide Am Yisroel to this day.
In 1977, Prime Minister Menachem Begin visited the Rebbe before his high-stakes peace talks with President Carter, saying, “His status is unique, so I am certain his blessings will strengthen me as I embark on a mission of acute importance for our future.” For Begin and many world leaders, the Rebbe’s counsel and blessing were anchors of strength in turbulent times.
The Rebbe didn’t just teach; he rebuilt Jewish pride in the aftermath of the Holocaust. He instilled in us the belief that no matter where we live – Brooklyn, Jerusalem, Sydney – every Jew carries the power to transform the world. He spoke of a bright Jewish future even as the ashes of the shtetls still smoldered. He preached Jewish pride while immigrants at Ellis Island feared their identity would draw unwelcome attention.
In 1991, as Scud missiles rained down on Israel and many fled or panicked, the Rebbe assured us we would emerge unscathed. His strength came from unshakable trust in the Guardian of Israel.
The Rebbe understood that Israel is a tiny country in a tough and dangerous region. Years before Trump’s slogan “peace through strength,” the Rebbe warned that in in the Middle East, concessions are seen as weaknesses, not virtues—appeasement invites more bloodshed. History, especially on October 7th, has shown just how right he was.
The Rebbe led by example, showing us how to believe – not just in G-d, but in ourselves, our traditions, and in each other. He believed that America, and indeed every country, could become a bastion of Jewish life.
Let us honor this special day as the Rebbe taught: by translating thought into action. Let’s place mitzvot at the top of our To-Do lists and use whatever platforms and influence we have to uplift and illuminate the lives of Am Yisroel.
B’ezrat Hashem, I will be traveling to New York on Sunday to join thousands from across the globe at the Ohel, the Rebbe’s holy resting place. People from all walks of life come here to pray and reflect on this special day. We will pray for the return of our hostages, for the families of our brave IDF soldiers, for the 28 innocent lives we lost this week, and for the speedy recovery of the injured. It would be an honor to pray for you and your loved ones. Please send me your name, your mother’s name (preferably Hebrew name), and those of anyone close to your heart.
May we soon merit the fulfillment of His most cherished promise: “And I will return the captives of My people Israel, and they shall rebuild desolate cities and inhabit them… And they shall no longer be uprooted from upon their land, that I have given them, said the Lord your G-d” (Amos 9).
Wishing you a week of continued good news for Am Yisroel!
See you in shul tomorrow for a L’Chaim at 5:00pm and Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:30pm.
Rabbi Levi and Chanie