A WORD from the Director
This coming Thursday, 18th of July, will be the 12th day of Tammuz. On this day in 1927, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, o.b.m., was informed he would be released from his imprisonment in Communist Russia.
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok had been imprisoned by the anti-religious Communist regime for his efforts to strengthen Torah and Judaism in Russia. Originally he was sentenced to death; later, through American intervention his sentence was commuted to three years in exile and finally all charges were dropped.
The KGB agents once burst into his home, “warning” him to stop his work.
“My activities are legal according to Soviet law. I see no reason to stop them,” he calmly replied.
One of the agents waved a gun at him. “This little toy has made many a man change his mind!”
“This little toy,” retorted the Rebbe, “can intimidate only a man who believes in two gods and one world. I, however, believe in one G-d and two worlds.”
Such was the indomitable spirit of the previous Rebbe, leader of Russian Jewry and trail blazer when he stepped foot on American soil, that it could also become a thriving centre for Torah and Jewish life.
The life of this great leader continues to serve as an inspiration for us, today too. Let us emulate the unflinching, resolute determination of the previous Rebbe, in all matters pertaining to our “one G-d and two worlds.” And let us each do all we can to continue the work of the Rebbe, in strengthening Torah and Judaism all over the world. Then, the celebration of the 12th of Tamuz will not just be about the Rebbe's personal day of liberation, but as he himself stated, that this should be celebrated as a day of liberation and celebration for all who care about keeping Judaism alive and vibrant.
