Giving of Oneself

The Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, whose passing is marked on the 20th of Av, was imprisoned and exiled to Kazakhstan for his stance against Soviet efforts to uproot Jewish learning and practice.

Knowing it could lead to his imprisonment and hinder his own ability to study Torah and perform mitzvos, he not only assisted those who came for help, but proactively sought out Jews who needed to be taught the most basic tenets of Judaism.

The lesson is clear. It is vital to support Jewish education for young and old. But sometimes, we must even sacrifice our own spiritual growth to secure the Jewish survival of others.