Mission of the Generation, Part 1: “Yosef”

Rachel named her son ‘Joseph,’ as a prayer: “May G-d add to me a different son.” The Tzemach Tzedek explains: Rachel prayed that Joseph have the ability to transform someone “different” – someone far from G-dliness, into a “son” – someone righteous, like himself.

My father-in-law, the Rebbe’s, life’s work, too, was to transform “different” into “son” – to help those raised in Torah and Mitzvos increase their level of observance, and to assist those who were never educated as Jews become openly aware of their connection to G-d.

Upon arriving on American shores, the Rebbe was warned: “America is different! Here one has little time for spiritual concerns…” His first effort, therefore, was to eliminate this notion – for G-d is One, and His Oneness extends throughout the entire earth.

The Rebbe ignored his own physical wellbeing, and even put his own spiritual wellbeing aside, all to help a fellow Jew transform from “different” to ”son.”