By Rabbi Dovid Markel
This Shabbos marks the 21st anniversary of the physical passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
It is apropos that this week’s Torah portion as well teaches of the leadership of Moshe, which was challenged by his generation. Just as G-d showed that Moshe was the leader of Israel, so too is the Rebbe the leader of our generation, who cared for the physical and spiritual needs of each member of his flock.
In an interesting talk (Shelach 5732) from the Rebbe, the Rebbe expressed a focal part of his leadership. The Rebbe discussed why Moshe prayed for all the members of his generation who had sinned, apart from the Spies as well as Korach and his coconspirators.
Essentially, the Rebbe explains that though the Moshe was intrinsically connected to each Jew, he was unable to pray for the Jews that directly fought against him, due to the clause (Talmud, Rosh HaShana 26a) “a prosecutor cannot become a defender.”
Since they directly fought against Moshe, Moshe himself was unable to defend them before G-d.
When the transcribers wrote up the address for publication, they added what they thought was the obvious lesson; that if an individual fights against the Rebbe, the Rebbe would, so to speak, be unable to help them.
However, when the Rebbe read what they had written, he crossed it out, telling them that “it is contrary to the entire premise of Chassidism.”
Indeed, the Rebbe implied that no matter if the individual fought against everything he stood for, he would nevertheless plead their case on High and do his utmost for them, both physically and spiritually.
On this day it is important to be introspective and contemplate whether we too live up to the Rebbe’s message of caring for each and every Jew—no matter who or where.
When we finally will be permeated with his message, we will surely merit to be reunited with the Rebbe, with the coming of Moshiach—Now!
