Gimmel Tammuz. The date itself, while ingrained in the minds of Lubavitcher Chasidim around the globe, has significance for all Jews and, indeed the entire world population. Although we have not seen the Rebbe with our physical eyes since Gimmel Tammuz 28 years ago, his presence in the lives of his hundreds of thousands of Chasidim and millions of admirers is evident. And the Rebbe’s involvement in the thousands of institutions he established, and the dozens of institutions set up since Gimmel Tammuz 28 years ago, is palpable.
Gimmel Tammuz is the third day in the Hebrew month of Tammuz. The number three has much significance in Jewish teachings. Our Sages teach that the world stands on three pillars: Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness. In addition, they teach that the Tzadik is the foundation of the entire world.
What has been the thrust of the Rebbe, the foundation of the world, in his over seven decades of leadership? As is well-known to our readers, since the Rebbe’s acceptance of the mantle of leadership he stated clearly the purpose of our generation, the seventh generation, is to bring the Redemption. More recently the Rebbe elucidated how we can accomplish this in a three-fold campaign: through Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness.
Our Torah study should be increased in all areas of Jewish knowledge in general, Chasidic philosophy in particular, and specifically those matters found everywhere in Jewish teachings that deal with Moshiach and the Redemption. Our prayers should be suffused with heartfelt requests of G-d to bring the Redemption, crying out “How much longer?” and even to the point of demanding the Redemption (as explained by the Chofetz Chaim). Lastly, through love of our fellow Jew in general and even simple acts of kindness and good deeds, we can prepare ourselves for the Redemption and hasten its inception.
May we be together with the Rebbe this year on Gimmel Tammuz, not just “feeling” his presence but actually seeing the Rebbe, a soul in a physical body, leading us to the Holy Land and ushering in the complete and eternal Redemption.