“Friend” to the Jewish people, and we are precious in His estimation: “I have loved you, says the L-rd” (Malachi 1:2).
When G-d reveals His love for the Jewish people, He then redeems them, without delay.
How can we actually and practically express and reveal our Ahavas Yisroel and Jewish unity? The answer is: when Jews gather in one place “as one man with one mind,” with the goal and purpose of encouraging and strengthening their harmony and especially increasing Jewish unity and Ahavas Yisroel. And when such a gathering is held in conjunction with a festive meal, including the toasting of “LeChayim” on wine, this increases Jewish Unity, as the Gemara says: Great is the mouthful [of food or drink], in that it draws near those who are distant (Sanhedrin 103b).
The Alter Rebbe explained the great value of a Chassidic farbrengen (gathering) by citing the following parable: When a father sees the conduct of his children, with love, brotherly feelings, peace and friendliness, each one carrying out the wishes of the other and each one caring for the needs of the other just like his own needs, then the father is filled with delight, and he performs wonders and fulfills all their wishes.
During the Sefirah period there are, of course, restrictions regarding public celebrations and a fitting time should be chosen, which will be acceptable according to all the different halachic opinions, so that everyone will be able to participate.
It would therefore be most fitting and acceptable to all opinions to celebrate such gatherings on this coming Shabbos, which is Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan, the “third month,” and the day of Erev Rosh Chodesh, when we will read the portion Bamidbar.
The Third Month and Peace
The “third month” alludes to the concept of peace, for the number “three” indicates that there can be two opposing forces and a third force which makes peace between them. As such, it is appropriate that Torah is also called the “threefold Torah” (Shabbos 88a), for the Torah was given “to bring peace in the world” (cf. Rambam, Laws of Chanukah, end).
Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan and Unity
It is therefore appropriate that on the Shabbos which bestows blessing on the coming “third” month, we should conduct an exercise which enhances Jewish unity.
Next Shabbos is Erev Rosh Chodesh—the day before the New Moon; therefore no Tachanun (penitential prayer) is said, or, in this case, no Tzidkascha Tzedek is said during Minchah on Shabbos. There is also a halachah which rules that the evening services of the next day may be recited before sunset, while it is still Shabbos, and in that scenario the Ya’aleh V’yavo (“may there ascend” prayer) of Rosh Chodesh may be said on Shabbos.
Thus, next Shabbos can incorporate the following day of Rosh Chodesh, which is Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the day on which the Jewish people reached the wilderness of Sinai and the Jews camped before the mountain “as one man with one mind.” The unity that preceded Matan Torah.
The Portion of Bamidbar and Counting
The theme and context of the portion of Bamidbar is the census of the Jewish people. A count of people brings out the idea that each person is equal to every other—a simple person does not count for less than one individual, and the prominent person does not count for more than one. Each one counts as one. This emphasizes the unity and completeness of the Jewish people, and at the same time it shows us G-d’s love for the Jewish people and how precious each and every one is—for that reason He counts them. This love of G-d for the Jews also leads to the love of one Jew for the other—“for he loves that which his Beloved loves.”
This coming Shabbos, which blesses the month of Sivan and on which we read the portion of Bamidbar, is clearly the most appropriate time for Ahavas Yisroel gatherings to take place.
A Soulful Request
Therefore, I propose the following soulful request: This coming Shabbos, during the time of Minchah (late afternoon), Jewish people all over the world should gather in great numbers—men, women and children—“with our youth and elders, our sons and daughters,” in a manner of “brothers dwelling together.” There should be joyous gatherings of friends and festive meals (of course, men and women separately).
At these gatherings words of Torah should be spoken on the topic of Ahavas Yisroel and Jewish unity. The entire subject should be broadly covered, starting with Scripture: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” on which “Rabbi Akiva said this is an important rule of Torah,” and which was also interpreted by Hillel as: “That is the whole Torah while the rest is commentary thereof.” Then, following through the practical halachic details, as described in Mishneh Torah of Maimonides, and finally the in-depth explanations on the profound quality of Ahavas Yisroel as developed in Tanya, and all the symbolic and exegetic interpretation presented by the great sages of Israel, whose Torah works have been widely accepted.
To all this we should add a special emphasis, that when we increase our love for fellow Jews and intensify Jewish Unity, the causes of the exile will be dissolved and automatically the effect—the diaspora—will disappear.
The subject matter for discussion should obviously be chosen with presence of mind and understanding of the audience so that it will be appreciated, comprehended and absorbed, to the point of influencing and enthusing the listeners. Hopefully, the enthusiasm will be contagious and they will go on and influence others, and strengthen and encourage others to further the goals of Jewish Unity.
If, for some reason, these gatherings cannot take place on Shabbos, then they should be scheduled for a subsequent fitting day, such as Sunday, Rosh Chodesh, etc. It is of primary importance that this call should be publicized and transmitted to the widest possible audience. Those who will carry out this mission should involve themselves with energy, enthusiasm, vigor and excitement. They should keep in mind that this is “soulfully” essential for the Jewish people, and that we are dealing with an exceptional and unusual matter.
Practically speaking, preparation for these activities, and appropriate publicity, should start as soon as possible and every moment of the day should be properly utilized. The approach must be in a pleasant and peaceful manner, day by day, leading up to the coming Shabbos and especially the time of “greatest delight” (late afternoon), when everyone will gather together. And although in every time zone on the globe the time of Minchah is different, nevertheless, in the spiritual realm they all unite so that all Jews will be united simultaneously as truly one.
In approaching the preparation for these gatherings there will surely be those who will be concerned about the expenses. The first answer is that in each place they will certainly find the necessary funds, especially since everyone knows that in matters of holiness we must participate with our money, which indicates how important the matter is. However, if there should be a place where the problem of finances will cause a diminution in the potential activities, then, after the program has been completed, they should inform the local Merkos offices and the list of the deficits should be transmitted here, and from here the necessary funds will be forwarded to cover the expenses, with happiness and gladness of heart.
May it be G-d’s will that our good resolution accepted now will forthwith generate the reward that is fitting for Ahavas Yisroel and Jewish Unity—the suspension of the diaspora. And we will speedily merit the true and complete redemption through our righteous Moshiach.
This is especially pertinent now, for we stand close to the end of Shabbos, the “meal of Dovid the King Moshiach,” and with Moshiach we will celebrate next Shabbos, the true great assembly of all the Jewish people for “a great assembly will return.” And all who “rest in the dust will arise,” with Moshe and Aharon among them, and Rashbi and all the righteous sages and princes of our people, and also the previous Rebbe. The main speaker at that ultimate gathering will be our righteous Moshiach, who will teach to all the people the new, esoteric Torah, in a manner of “seeing.” And then the count of the Jewish people will be completed, through Moshiach, the first redeemer and the last redeemer, truly in our time.
