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How to Fight Darkness
Jewish communities around the world are preparing for 10 Shevat, the anniversary of the passing of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory), and the day his son-in-law, the Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory), assumed leadership.
In his inaugural address, the Rebbe outlined his vision for the Jewish people and the world. Basing his ideas on the works of his predecessor, the Rebbe expounded on the Divine purpose for which we were all created. In its inception, this world is a garden, a place of Divine revelation. Our mission is to reveal that.
Yes, the world today seems full of falsities that can cloud our vision. The darkness can be so intense that the worst of humanity—hate and evil—can rear its ugly head. We can live in a world of falsehood, where agents of terror and fear seem to set an unnerving tone.
None of that, however, is the truth. Our mission is not just to subdue the darkness, not to fight it or to be dragged down by it, but to subvert it. To turn the source of untruth on its head, revealing its Divine vision and elevating the world.
May we be blessed to make this world a “dwelling place for G‑d” with the revelation of Moshiach!
Mordechai Lightstone
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
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