Did you notice that when news of the murder of Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the UAE broke, the Jewish world was not even surprised that there is Chabad in the UAE? We all act as if an Israeli-Moldovan chassidic Jew moving to the Persian Gulf to serve other Jews is the most natural thing in the world.
Indeed, Chabad is everywhere, and at this point, we kind of expect them to be. Chabad’s reach is so wide that it is sometimes called the “Jewish Coca-Cola.” While the comparison is quite understandable (and fun), it misses a central point: the Coca-Cola Company goes everywhere to take; Chabad goes everywhere to give.
I am not a Chabadnik per se. I possess no long beard, no education in Kabbalistic texts, and no infectious enthusiasm (at least, not yet). Still, at times like these, it is precisely those of us who don’t look the part who are reminded just how much Chabad does for the rest of us It’s no surprise that after we heard news of Rabbi Kogan’s murder, numerous young Chabad couples declared their intent to do more, go farther, and reach even more Jews. Chabad emissaries remind us that the future is bright.
The wave of Jewish pride we are witnessing goes even further. Time and time again I heard from campus rabbis that far more students have become active in their Jewish lives on campus than ever before. I also heard from student after student that they didn’t grow up feeling particularly Jewish, often had only one Jewish parent, never had a Jewish education, and hadn’t been in a synagogue in years, if ever. But now they are connected. They are proud.
One medical student who had never been Jewishly active, now proudly (and visibly) wears a Star of David necklace, staunchly pro-Israel in his social media activism despite the torrent of abuse he has been subject to, and now happily enjoys Shabbat at his campus Chabad House every week.
The situation in Israel can be depressing, I must admit. The best tonic, perhaps, is witnessing the resurgence of our people. The Talmud (Menachot 53b) likens the Jewish people to olive oil, emphasizing that our greatness comes out when we are put under pressure (the way olives produce their oil when pressed). And we’re seeing exactly that. How can a person be depressed when 2,000 Jewish students are asking to experience Shabbat and dancing the night away to celebrate their newfound Jewish pride?
In Crown Heights, I realized that the future is bright. Chabad gives us so much. Perhaps most potently, they give us hope. Hope in our people, hope in our future, hope in ourselves.
"This week, instead of our usual dose of humor, let’s take a moment to reflect and set positive resolutions. Whether it’s showing kindness to someone in need, studying a piece of Torah, or simply striving to be more patient and understanding, these small commitments can bring light and growth to our lives. Let’s channel the spirit of renewal and make this week an opportunity to uplift ourselves and those around us."
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