It’s hard to believe a year has already passed. But, it was last November when we were anxiously following the horrors unfold as the news came across that my colleagues, Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, were murdered along with four others at the Chabad House of Mumbai, India.
The immense pain and grief that followed were inevitable. The question of how G-d can allow a tragedy of this magnitude to occur was expected as well. But, in true Chabad fashion, so were the resolutions to not allow these acts of terror to go unanswered.
At Gabi and Rivky’s funeral, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Chabad’s international educational arm, proclaimed between sobs that the only true way to fight evil is with light. Darkness has no existence of its own, and by countering it with vast amounts of goodness we will be proven to have prevailed over our enemies.
Rivky’s father, Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, then announced that he intended on lighting a large Menorah in the square across from the Taj Mahal hotel, the terrorists’ other target. And, indeed, three weeks later, under strong security and with great publicity, Menorahs were lit not only in the square, but also on the balcony of the severely damaged Chabad House.
Around the world, initiatives in memory of Gabi and Rivky were being documented. Ranging from establishing new educational and religious institutions, to naming newborns “Gavriel” and “Rivka,” these commitments were a statement to the world that we will not allow the cowardly acts of terrorism to hinder our goal of making the world a better place.
But it was one unique pledge, whose results haven’t been realized until recently, that makes this all the more poignant.
This came several days after the funeral, when things began returning to a semblance of normal. A colleague from Pennsylvania posted on an internal forum that there was a fertility expert in his community who, in memory of the Holtzbergs, was wiling to consult and treat any Chabad couple dealing with infertility.
He had heard that the Lubavitcher Rebbe believed the most potent response to the horrors of the Holocaust, the eternal “never again,” was to keep the Jewish nation alive by overcoming the fears of repopulating. The Rebbe taught that one does not defeat challenges by running from them; instead we are expected to turn our challenges into opportunities.
So this particular doctor took it upon himself, as his personal response to the Mumbai terror attacks and as a gift to the Holtzbergs, to actively help bring more Jews into the world.
Earlier this month, a friend from Colorado in his 40’s who was experiencing infertility for nearly a decade, posted on his Facebook page “Mazal Tov – twin girls! Thank G-d everyone is doing well.” He went on to thank the rabbi and doctor from Pennsylvania for assisting in making this dream a reality.
The gush of emotion which followed was truly overwhelming; live and tangible proof that nothing can overpower the Jewish nation’s spirit of survival. We will always be strong and prosper in the face of all adversity!
Am Yisrael Chai!
(Click here for the section of our site dedicated to the Mumbai victims' memory.)
I’m probably one of the few people in this town still following the World Series. This is obviously due, in most part to my home team, the New York Yankees competing for their 27th title (while my White Sox and Cubs fan friends are currently looking forward to “next year”).
But it’s who they are playing that makes it even more interesting this year. The Yankees’ opponent is the defending world champions, the Philadelphia Phillies. As we know, the name Philadelphia is Greek for “brotherly love,” given by the city’s founder, William Penn. It is a testament to the way its early settlers got along so well with each other.
The “town” the Yankees play in, New York, has been the seat of the Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters for the last 7 decades. Lubavitch, the White Russian village where the Chabad movement had been based for more than a century, amazingly also translates to “city of love.”
This, and the fact that both teams have played exceptionally well all season long, makes this year’s World Series a fall “classic” indeed.
It also puts a new spin on the phrase “let the best team win.” To be sure, the team that plays the best baseball when it counts will emerge as the victor. But, this also means that the team with the best team spirit and camaraderie, the one whose players recognize each other’s contribution to the overall success of the team, will ultimately prevail.
As a child, I remember my grandfather telling me once “Whatever could happen, has happened.” In other words, if something is possible, it will happen.
Of course, the only way one can know if something is possible, is if it happened. If something never happened, while in theory it may be possible, it is not proven until it actually happens.
I had the same thought today, when I witnessed what I consider the inevitable.
One of the advantages of living on a main street is that the Town gives it more attention than some of the side streets. In the winter, we’re one of the first to have the snow plowed; in the spring our potholes are the first to be filled; and every few summers, the entire road is repaved.
So, although the road in front of our house wasn’t in nearly as bad condition as some of the other roads in the neighborhood, nevertheless, being a major thoroughfare, the Town decided it was time for a facelift.
As the crews were working on the resurfacing, I rhetorically commented to Chanie, “How long do you think it will take for the cable company, or some other entity, to dig up a part the street?”
Well, today, less than a week after the resurfacing was complete, the first crews were out with their jackhammers, digging what is sure to be the first of many holes in our newly paved road.
Where am I going with this?
According to Kaballah, one of G-d’s unique capabilities is that His thought, speech, and deeds are all one and the same. Meaning, there is no difference between G-d thinking, speaking or doing; it all has the same effect. In fact, when the Torah describes G-d creating the universe, it says, for example, “G-d said ‘let there be light’ and there was light.” And the same description is used for all of creation.
When G-d thinks something, it is. The moment G-d wants something to happen, it happens.
Not being G-dly ourselves, the only way we know if something can happen is if it actually happens. For G-d, however, who is not limited like we are, it works the other way around. If it can happen, then it already happened.
I was in the car yesterday, returning to Munster from Chesterton, and happened to hear a news item on the radio which got me thinking.
The report was of a standoff in one of Chicago’s southwest suburbs coming to a close with the person who had barricaded himself in a house for a few hours, shooting and injuring himself.
Though unfortunate, thankfully, no innocent bystanders were hurt, and things ended relatively simply.
Among the ramifications of the standoff, in addition to roads being closed and traffic backing up, was that the local school’s last day was postponed.
In the big picture, not a big deal, but here is where my mind began wandering.
One clearly deranged individual may have spoiled many people’s plans, just by standing in an empty building for a few hours, with a gun. Families that may have made plans for the day after school, or were looking forward to the beginning of summer vacation, now had to scramble to alter their schedules in order to accommodate the additional school day.
If an unbalanced person can affect so many people’s lives, just think how much a stable, healthy person can influence the world by a small act of kindness. And imagine how positively the world can be affected by millions of individual good deeds.
Don’t sit around waiting for your moment in the spotlight. Get out, do something good, and the spotlight will find you.
A kid comes home from Hebrew School one day and announces to his mother: “Mom, did you know that when Moses led the Jews out of Egypt and they were stuck at the bank of the Red Sea, he waved his staff and a bridge appeared, and they were able to safely cross the sea.”
The mom responds: “I don’t believe that’s quite how the story goes...”
Son: “If you don’t believe that, you’ll never believe what my teacher said REALLY happened!”
Much of our history is based on miraculous events occurring with the Jewish people of the time; and most Jewish holidays are celebrated in commemoration of miracles.
With the Chanukah season upon us, we are again reminded of the wondrous events that led to this holiday.
Every Jewish child knows that the Jews were victorious over the invading Greeks. The odds were definitely against the small Maccabean army, led by Judah and his brothers. But their victory was not due to size or strength. It was a miracle that their seemingly inadequate army succeeded in defeating the vast Greek legions.
And then there’s the oil story.
Once the Jews reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem, they were unable to find enough pure olive oil to kindle the Menorah. All they had was one jug which would last only one day, while it would take eights days to obtain more oil. It was a miracle that the oil burned for eight days instead of one.
At times we tend to overlook the miracles of today. Sure, they aren’t as open and obvious as they perhaps were in the past. But G-d still keeps the universe functioning miraculously. Whether it’s the sun rising each morning in the East, or every breath we breathe and step we take; it’s all a miracle.
We may become accustomed to the natural order of things, but even that which seems normal is truly miraculous.
On Monday I was on a high. I had just returned from the annual Chabad conference held every fall in New York City. The event gathers Chabad rabbis for five days of inspiration and revitalization; reuniting, albeit briefly 3,000 colleagues representing communities around the globe.
I had planned to share my thoughts on how re-energized I felt following the conference, in this space.
Then, on Wednesday we received word that there may be a hostage situation at the Chabad House in Mumbai, and by Friday morning, the news of the brutal murders of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg had reached us.
Gabi and Rivky were in Mumbai as Chabad emissaries since 2003. Two years ago they moved their operations from a hotel penthouse to the five-story “Nariman House.” Their Chabad House served as a home-away-from-home for many Israeli backpackers and other international tourists, as well as the small local Jewish community. The care and devotion with which they served all who visited was legendary. Everyone knew they can count on the Chabad House for a warm kosher meal, a prayer service or a Torah class, and sometimes even a place to sleep.
The reaction to the senseless murder of two beacons of light, along with hundreds of other innocents, can be mixed. On one hand, we do not begin to comprehend how G-d can allow such atrocities to be perpetrated in His universe. It is beyond our capacity to understand how two beautiful lives can be brought to such a horrendous halt.
But, with all the grief and mourning, we must fight back. We are challenged by forces of evil and darkness throughout our lives, and at times these forces seem to peak and take over. It is at moments like this that we must double our efforts to dispel this great darkness.
The tragedy in Mumbai has united the worldwide Jewish community like never before; the heartening expressions of care emanating from all walks and denominations of Jewish life are astounding. Since these horrific events, Jews around the world have been resolving to perform Mitzvahs in memory of the Holtzbergs. Men who have never laid Tefillin before are doing so now, and many women have lit Shabbat candles this week after not doing so for many years.
Darkness can only prevail in the absence of light, and we battle darkness by kindling a small light, which grows to a much greater flame. The smallest Mitzvah we perform can have world altering effects in the face of darkness. And the more Mitzvahs we do, the further we eradicate evil and darkness
The intensity felt at the Chabad conference last week should not be allowed to wane. The Jewish world has the ability to harness its great unifying power. Let’s use it for the positive.
Please join us for a memorial service for Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg this Tuesday, December 2, at the Jewish Federation building. More information to follow.
Following is a video of Rabbi Holtzberg HY"D describing the activities of Chabad in Mumbai:
Following is a video of a group of boys visiting with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of rightous memory, in 1989. The Rebbe is giving each child a dollar to be given to charity. The ninth boy to walk past the Rebbe is Rabbi Holtzberg HY"D (wearing a blazer and glasses), and #13 (wearing a coat with a blue and red lining) is me.
At 11:00 am EST this morning, Chabad headquarters in NY has received confirmation that Rabbi Gavriel and Rivky Holtzberg have been brutally murdered by terrorists in the Chabad House of Mumbai.
At this point I am having trouble expressing my feelings and emotions. Suffice it to say that this terrible tragedy is painful and there is still much that remains unanswered.
We plan on holding a memorial ceremony in Munster some time next week.
May G-d avenge Gabi and Rivky’s innocent blood, along with all the innocent victims of this horrible atrocity.
At this moment my colleague and friend Rabbi Gabi (Gavriel) Holtzberg and his wife, the Chabad emissaries in Mumbai, India, are hostages in their Chabad House in the horrific terrorist attacks on the city. Their infant son has been released with the nanny, however reports indicate that the Rabbi and his wife are "unconscious, but alive". Hundreds of commandos surround the house and it seems that a full-scale assault is imminent.
I'm BEGGING of you: while everything must be done - and IS being done - by the forces to rescue the hostages, we know that it is within the hands of each of us to storm the Heavens and pray to G-d that this situation and all other terrible current circumstances in Mumbai are resolved peacefully immediately.
PLEASE say a prayer for Gavriel Noach Ben Freida Bluma, Rivkah Bas Yehudit (Rabbi & Mrs. Holtzberg) and all other affected by this horror.
Don't stop with a prayer; please take it one step further and remember that a small act of "light" in one part of the world can dispel darkness wherever it may be. Do a mitzvah: a) Give charity in their merit b) Men: Put on Tefillin today; if you already did, see to it that someone who hasn't yet, should. c) Women: Resolve to light candles tomorrow evening; if you already do, see to it that someone who hasn't yet, should.
May G-d bring peace to our pained and darkened world!
The Eighteenth Century rabbi, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, was referred to by his colleagues and followers as the “Advocate of Israel.” He was famed for constantly highlighting the positive in his fellow Jews, so that they find favor in G-d’s eyes.
One morning during Shacharit services, he noticed that someone had stepped out of the synagogue in middle of the “Shema.” Peering out the window, the rabbi saw this individual, still decked out in his Tallit, greasing the wheels of his horse-drawn carriage.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak immediately raised his eyes towards heaven and called out, “Master of the Universe! How great are your children. Even while involved in extremely mundane tasks, they still make time for prayer!”
Indeed, a unique perspective on worshipping G-d.
The term “religious” is oftentimes used as reference to one who is firm in his or her beliefs. People who attend services regularly are considered to be more religious than those who aren’t as frequent attendees.
According to Judaism, however, being religious means observing G-d’s laws. We believe that G-d has given the Jewish people 613 commandments – Mitzvahs. Each Mitzvah provides us the opportunity to strengthen our bond with G-d.
Every Mitzvah is independent of the others, and with every Mitzvah performed – or transgression avoided – a link is added to our connection. The more we do, the stronger the bond.
At times, we may hesitate taking upon ourselves the observance of certain a Mitzvah. The reluctance usually stems from feelings of hypocrisy. For, how can I observe one Mitzvah while I disregard another?
A quote I am fond of repeating is “There are three types of Jews: Those who do Mitzvahs, those who do more Mitzvahs, and those who do even more Mitzvahs.” Simply because you aren’t prepared to make a life changing decision regarding some Mitzvahs, shouldn’t preclude you from observing those you are able, and willing, to.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s comment regarding the individual greasing his wheels while praying was referring to precisely this scenario. The man’s prayer was a step in the right direction. Had he thought himself a hypocrite, he would have sooner stopped praying rather than stop greasing.
By emphasizing the positive in this behavior, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was reminding us that we aren’t at all perfect, and that every activity is judged by its own merit.
Yesterday’s horrifying events at a Jerusalem Yeshivah — where 8 students were murdered in cold blood and scores injured — brought to mind a similar, no less dreadful event, nearly 52 years ago.
The state of Israel was in its infancy, and the village of Kefar Chabad was also in its early stages of development. In a school created for immigrant and refugee children, a class was beginning Maariv, the evening prayer. Suddenly a group of terrorists burst though the door and began spraying bullets at the room’s occupants. Five students and a teacher died that night, their prayer books soaked in their own blood.
Understandably, residents of the village were shell shocked. Unsure of how to proceed, they turned to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for guidance, and four days following the horrors a telegram arrived from New York. The entire village gathered in the synagogue to hear the Rebbe’s encouraging words.
The telegram contained a three word sentence: “Behemshech Habinyan Tinacheimu” (“by continuing to build, you will be comforted”). The Rebbe’s message was clear; the attack should not lead to decreased activity in the development of Kefar Chabad. Rather it should be the impetus for continued growth.
Quite by Divine Providence, my earlier post focused on the persevering quality of the Jewish people; on how, despite all that occurs, Jerusalem and the entire Land of Israel is continuously being developed and built.
Given yesterday’s attack on innocent Yeshivah students, I will take that notion one step further.
"Building" and "construction" can also be used to describe one's spiritual growth. When we do a Mitzvah, we strengthen our connection with G-d, and we build our relationship with Him. The more we do, the stronger the bond.
The Jewish response to yesterday’s attack should be one of growth. Performing a Mitzvah in memory of the deceased, praying in honor of the wounded, and generally going about our lives the way G-d expects us to, is how we show the world that we will not be negatively affected by violence. With every additional good deed we perform, the more evident this becomes.
We answer darkness with light; and the more light we bring to the world, the less darkness there will be to impede our growth. And by continuously growing, we will truly be comforted.
Chanie and I recently returned from a trip to Israel. Our trip was unique in that we both haven’t been to the Holy Land in nearly seven years, and this was our first trip there together.
Both of us had spent a number of years in Israel in the past, so in planning this trip we decided that we would not do any touring. Instead, we’d spend most of our time in Jerusalem. The primary purpose of this trip was for a relative’s wedding, which was held in Kefar Chabad, a small town outside of Tel Aviv. Aside for the wedding, we remained in Jerusalem for our entire stay.
Our days began with a trek to the Western Wall for Shacharit, the morning prayers. On the return trip, we would stop at a café or bagel shop for brunch. We generally spent the remainder of our days strolling through the city, taking in the sites and sounds of the Jewish capital’s daily routine.
Wherever we went, people were going about their business as usual. The outdoor marketplaces and malls are as busy as ever, and the economy is doing quite well. Cranes and scaffolding are visible from everywhere, as construction projects are going up all around Jerusalem, as well as other parts of the country. Luxury residences, hotels, and shopping malls are just some of the current projects set to be completed in the near future.
To be sure, the cloud of terrorism still hovers over all this. There are daily reports of Kassam rockets shelling the town of Sderot and other cities neighboring Gaza. And the constant talk of dividing the city of Jerusalem yet again doesn’t add much encouragement either. But our Israeli brethren are aware that curbing their daily activities is to give the terrorists the victory they so desire. Life in Israel goes on because that is what the Jewish people do best; we persevere.
The Jewish people have lived through persecution and threats of extinction as long as we’ve been a people. This has never impeded upon our drive to exist. We have always remained steadfast in our beliefs, and by continuing to do so, we are guaranteed to outlive all who wish us harm.
I encourage everyone to make a trip to Israel, and experience for yourselves the wonderful land G-d has given to the Jewish people as our eternal inheritance.
72 countries, 47 states, 5 days and 3,000 black hats. One word comes to mind: Adjectives.
That’s right; every adjective used to describe an event of this magnitude can be used, but will never accurately capture the experience.
I am referring to the 25th International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, held last week in New York City.
Five days with nearly 3,000 colleagues from around the globe. Five days spent learning, sharing, “Farbrenging,” and praying together.
Walking the streets of the Chabad neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, last week, one can easily encounter an acquaintance from as nearby as Kentucky or Iowa, to as distant as Laos or Congo. We’ve all come together for an extended weekend to pay tribute to our revered leader, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, and to gain inspiration from one another. On Friday morning we all visited the Rebbe’s burial place in Queens, NY, and petitioned that he intercede before G-d on behalf of our respective communities around the world.
Many resolutions and initiatives are announced throughout the conference, including a 40th year commemoration of the Rebbe’s Tefillin campaign, started during Israel’s Six-Day War in 1967, encouraging every Jewish male to don Tefillin.
But, the highlight of the entire week was on Sunday evening, at the concluding banquet held and New York’s Pier 94 on the Hudson River. No ballroom in the entire NY metro area was large enough to contain the 3,000 “Shluchim” and an additional 1,000 supporters and guests. The pier was transformed into an enormous yet lavish hall, and the energy in the room was self-evident.
The gathering was addressed by, among others, Mr. Lev Leviev, who is the wealthiest person in Israel, and a staunch financial supporter of Chabad activities in the former Soviet Union. He shared his experiences with Chabad as a child growing up in Uzbekistan, and his encounters with the Rebbe as a fledgling businessman in the early 1980’s.
Culminating the evening was the traditional roll-call. The chairman of the conference read the names of all the states and countries with a permanent Chabad presence, accompanied by video images of activities in each location. He also announced the opening of Chabad centers in Wyoming, South Korea, Serbia and the Dominican Republic. The roll-call was followed by music and spontaneous dancing throughout the ballroom; 4,000 people placing their arms on each other’s shoulders and dancing with joy!
Now, try describing all that, and more, in one word...
The group photo in front of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters
A personal tragedy which befalls a member of a community is tantamount to a communal tragedy. The traditional blessing of consolation offered to mourners is comprised of the statement “May the L-rd comfort you, along with all who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.”
The destruction of Jerusalem, nearly 2,000 years ago, was mourned by all of Israel equally. And, today, the entire Jewish nation still yearns for the rebuilding of our holiest site and the reunification of our people.
When offering condolences to a grieving friend, we convey our feelings of shared grief; just as when the Temple was destroyed all of the people mourned equally, and everyone hoped for a better day.
But, in addition to simply sharing in our fellow’s pain, and the constant reminder that the community cries along with them, we must not lose sight of what tradition believes about the life after life.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, was once approached by a father whose only child had suddenly passed away. The man cried to the Rebbe, saying that he felt that his life was now purposeless, and that he took no comfort in any of his earthly belongings.
The Rebbe asked him to consider the following scenario. Imagine your son had traveled overseas and he had absolutely no way of communicating with you. The only thing you can do for him is send care packages every so often. Would you be content knowing that your son is happy with his current situation?
Of course, responded the father. While it isn’t ideal, as long as I know that my son is happy and I can make his life easier, I would be satisfied.
Jewish tradition enumerates various activities one can do for a departed loved one. Whether it is reciting specific prayers, or performing a Mitzvah in their memory, we are given the opportunity to send packages and impart that we care for them. It is also a reminder to ourselves, that although a family member has passed on, our relationship has not ended.
How much more so – considering that a personal tragedy is in fact communal – when the community comes together and performs Mitzvahs and good deeds in one’s memory. We all show that we care. And, better yet, in their current “life,” they appreciate the “packages” we send them, as it keeps them going as well.
But, ultimately, we hope and pray for the day when there will no longer be reason to grieve; a time when the world will be utterly and obviously good.
