Giving of Oneself

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

Knowing that such activity could lead to imprisonment and hinder his own ability to study Torah and perform mitzvos, he persisted in helping not only those who came to him for their spiritual needs, but he proactively sought out Jews who needed to be taught even the most basic tenets of Judaism.

The lesson is clear – it is vital to ensure that all Jews have access to authentic Judaism, regardless of background. This applies even if it means sacrificing our own spiritual growth in order to secure the Jewish survival of others.