Living Torah Archives

The twentieth of Av marks the passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father. Reflecting on the passing of a loved one is seldom joyous and often brings up feelings of sadness and even bitterness.

When someone passes on, the bond they share with their loved ones below is not severed. Family and friends alive in this world can continue to bring the soul joy and happiness.

A Rav can help you approximate the date of your brother’s passing. Observe his Yahrzeit on that date, and when his soul will be at peace, the tragedy of his death will no longer haunt you.

My father gave his life helping to preserve Judaism in communist Russia; thus his Yahrzeit has great significance for all Jews – especially when we see the fruits of his self-sacrifice continuing to bear fruit today, with countless Jews from the Soviet Union observing Torah and Mitzvos.

A person’s passing seems to be a time of sorrow, not happiness. Yet, we gather on the Rebbe’s Yahrzeit, to increase our energy, enthusiasm, and joy in fulfilling our life’s mission. Torah teaches that, “a greater light comes from darkness.” Torah instructs us to take apparent negativity and darkness, and find in it G-d’s glory, goodness and light.