Living Torah Archives

Nigun composed for the Rebbe’s 81st birthday with words from Psalm 82.

The world seems to be so unstable these days. Time and again, the news is filled with stories of senseless violence in schools and on the streets. The politicians continue to debate on an appropriate response, but in the meantime, a generation of children is missing out on experiencing life to the fullest.

Chasidim sing the Beinoni Nigun at a farbrengen marking the liberation of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, from Soviet imprisonment.

There are many activities that can bring people together. Eating, drinking, and working together for a common goal are just a few examples.

The release of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson from Soviet Russia was more than a victory for an individual. The approach which proved to be successful in lobbying the Soviets to agree to his release was one of quiet yet forceful diplomacy, far away from the public arena.

Sung by Chassidim as they traveled to the town of Lubavitch to visit the Mittler Rebbe, the words of this Nigun allude to their hopeful yearnings: When they reach the Rebbe, they will drink from “the well of Torah and Chassidism,” and lack nothing.

Those working to free the millions trapped behind the Iron Curtain must not forget to free themselves, as well. By taking a staunch moral stance against injustice, the individual fulfills his role in this world and becomes a light unto many.

The Zohar teaches that the world was created through the Hebrew letters, with the Torah as its blueprint. In turn, the entire Torah is encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, which is further concentrated in its initial letter, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Alef. This letter alludes to the Creator, Who is one and unique. Through this one solitary letter, G-d constantly creates the multifarious universe with all its myriad components.

The Rebbe gives a bottle of L’chaim to be distributed among participants at the Farbrengen.

A song in Russian: “G-d is One, His name is One, besides Him there is no one.”

What prevents anyone with financial, military or academic power from doing as they please? G-d is ultimately the Master of this world, and His wish will prevail. This is not a question of religious belief, but a matter of fact.