Living Torah Archives

Many observers remain stumped by the unparalleled success that Chabad continues to see in its efforts in Jewish outreach. How is it, they wonder, that the movement can maintain such a rigid adherence to Jewish law and observance, while still welcoming Jews of every stripe, no matter their background or level of observance? In this fascinating talk, the Rebbe reconciles the apparent paradox and lays out his approach to Jewish outreach, for every time and every place.

The Mishnah instructs us to “Be a student of Aaron,” love peace, pursue peace; love G-d’s creations...” Notably, the passage concludes, “and bring them close to Torah.”

While the Egyptians enslaved and persecuted the Jews, the Tribe of Levi was given much more freedom than the rest. They were actually allowed to study Torah and engage in holy pursuits. Moses and Aaron who were Levites as well, could have simply ignored the plight of their Jewish brethren and not been any the worse off. But in the end, it was specifically their concern that helped bring the Jews to redemption.

In a culture of “live and let live” you might convince yourself that another person’s religious commitments are none of your business. But ask yourself what you’d do if you truly cared about your fellow’s welfare. And why should someone’s spiritual needs be any less important than their physical needs.

Rabbi Nochum Cohen is an educator and rabbi serving the needs of diverse Jewish communities across Israel. During a trip to the United States in the 1970s, he had an audience with the Rebbe.

In recent decades, we have experienced a level of liberty that our grandparents could have only dreamed about. Of course, this level of freedom brings about its own challenges as we try to dedicate ourselves towards the service of our Creator.

The Rebbe vocally and repeatedly called for every individual to utilize his or her unique talents and abilities to help promote a spirit of G-dliness in the world.

“Abraham was called “A father to multitudes.” You cannot suffice with your own Judaism; you need to be a leader to many peoples;

If you'll try to begin to go in the right direction, it will have a big effect on your children. If they’ll see that you have changed, it will encourage them to reconsider their life ahead of them. They are still in the stage of preparing for independent life, and like with a seed, every small change in their attitude now, can make a tremendous impact in their life ahead. (1972)

Overwhelmed by mounting questions about his work in the rabbinate and Jewish outreach, as well as in his business, Rabbi David Lapin sought advice from the Rebbe.

When a chassid asked the Rebbe Rashab, “What is a chassid?” the Rebbe Rashab answered him, “A chassid is a lamplighter.” He has an obligation to ignite the spark in his fellow Jew’s G-dly soul.

In our daily lives we come into contact with a variety of people, whether family, friends, coworkers or employees, and our interaction with them is often limited by the way we perceive them.

When the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Pinchas Woolstone to take a trip to Brisbane, Australia, he was unsure of what he was expected to do there. He set out on his mission anyway, and by the time he arrived, he knew exactly what had to be done. (1980s)

Rabbi Pinchas Woolstone, who served as rabbi of the Jewish House Crisis Center in Sydney, Australia, was on a trip to New York when he was approached for assistance in finding a girl from Brooklyn who had run away to Australia. Not knowing where to start, Rabbi Woolstone decided on his first step: to consult the Rebbe. (1980s)

Although parents have a duty to educate and guide their children, it can sometimes be that the parents need direction themselves.

Someone once asked my father-in-law, the Rebbe: “Jewish Law describes certain types of Jews that one should shun. Why, then, do you treat all Jews equaly with love?”

Through your newspapers, you have the ability to influence the public opinion. May you utilize this influence in the proper manner with joy and gladness of heart.