This Sunday marks Gimmel Tammuz, the Rebbe’s 31st yahrzeit. I will be traveling with my family to the Ohel, where thousands will gather throughout the day. Lines will stretch for hours as people wait for the chance to say a brief prayer at this holy site.
The Rebbe is not simply a great leader or an inspiring personality. There are many such figures in the world. What makes the Rebbe unique is not only his wisdom and leadership, but his complete oneness with G-d and dedication to both G-d and humanity. A Moses-like figure in our time, the Rebbe stands alone in how fully he embodied that sacred mission.
But what is so revolutionary about the Rebbe? How did he manage to impact every Jewish community across the globe, and touch countless lives far beyond the Jewish world, in ways we have never seen before in history? And how is it that, 31 years after his physical passing, his influence continues to grow stronger?
There is, of course, much to say. But one idea I’ve been reflecting on lately, which I will try to share as simply as I can, is how the Rebbe taught us to see more deeply, beyond the surface of things. For over 40 years, he taught and lived a way of life that revealed the true depth of what a human being is capable of. He showed us what it means to be a Jew and our role in the world today. He did this not only as a brilliant scholar but also, and even more importantly, as a practitioner. He demonstrated that this was not just a philosophy. It was a way of life that could be lived and practiced each day.
So often, we think we can either do one thing or another, but not both. We see our limitations. From our human perspective, we may be right. But the Rebbe reminded us to see ourselves from G-d’s perspective. If He wants us to accomplish something, even something that seems contradictory or impossible, then we can. We just need to open our eyes and tap into the strength and capacity that’s already within us: a G-dly strength.
In Chassidic and Kabbalistic terms, this is called Atzmus—the essence. On the surface, there are limits and obstacles. But at the core, in the essence, there are none. Just as G-d is infinite, so too can we reach beyond boundaries, because the soul He gave us is literally a part of Him.
This means that when G-d gives us a mission, even one that seems out of reach, if we dig deeper and draw from our inner essence, we can achieve it. This is a Messianic way of seeing and engaging with the world. The prophets describe a future without jealousy, with peace, abundance, and a deep desire for spirituality. And while some might say that is a global vision for the time of Moshiach, which may seem out of reach or impossible today, the Rebbe showed us that we can begin living that reality right now in our own lives. It takes effort, energy, study, and contemplation. But when we succeed, we can reach a real sense of inner peace and wholeness.
This worldview is not only liberating. It transforms how we live, for ourselves, for others, and for G-d. When we access our essence, we can achieve what once felt impossible. When we see the essence of another, we can truly love them for who they are. And through both, we begin to make this world a suitable place for G-d’s essence.
King Solomon wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The ideas the Rebbe taught and lived were not fundamentally new. They are all in the Torah. What is new was how he revealed them to us, and showed us how to integrate them into our lives in a practical and transformative way.
In Judaism, we believe everything we see and hear should teach us something. Think about the recent advancements in AI, or the extraordinary progress in space exploration. These things are not fundamentally new. The raw materials have always existed. What is new is how human beings have learned to harness and apply them. Just a few years ago, these realities would have been unimaginable. Today, they are tangible.
That’s the gift the Rebbe gave us: not just a vision, but the tools and confidence to break past what we thought was impossible. To reach higher. To live deeper. To touch Heaven and bring it down to earth. Modern science affirms that this is not only a spiritual or mystical goal. It is also practical and real.
I believe this is one of the reasons so many continue to be drawn to the Rebbe, and why 31 years later, his presence and impact remain as alive as ever. I was fortunate to meet him when I was a toddler. Today, I study his teachings, and you can too.

I'm often asked if miracles still happen today. Well, this week was an important week, and gave me a lot to reflect on and think about. When I watch what is going on in Israel, I can not help but recognize how miraculous these past few days have been. 
It reminded me of a Chassidic saying from the students of the Maggid of Mezritch: “When we were at the Maggid’s table, miracles used to roll freely on the floor; we didn’t even bother to pick them up.” Today, too, it can feel like miracles are happening so regularly that we’ve stopped noticing.
That Iran, a nation once feared by much of the world, is collapsing before our eyes is astonishing. That Israel’s preemptive strike successfully crippled Iran’s key military assets and eliminated its top leadership is remarkable. That Iran’s proxies remain either incapable or unwilling to respond, and that Iranian supporters like Russia and China are staying on the sidelines, is beyond explanation. Most importantly, that the hundreds of drones and missiles launched at Israel caused minimal harm in comparison to their intended carnage, is miraculous.
Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on that, and let me ask you; do you think miracles still happen today?
The word “Jew” comes from the name Yehuda, which is rooted in hoda’ah, meaning gratitude. It’s a reminder that our identity is tied to being thankful to G‑d. And today, we have a lot to be thankful for. 
While we admire the skill and bravery of the IDF, and we pray that G-d continues to protect them, we can never fall into thinking, “My own power and the might of my own hand have won this for me.” In the words of King David “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we call out in the name of the L‑rd our G‑d.” The strength of Israel’s army, and the determination of its leaders, ultimately depends on G-d.
Seeing what is happening is also a good reminder to us that G‑d’s wonders are not limited to the distant past, like during the Exodus or the story of Purim. We are living through our own chapter of divine intervention, and an important, and often needed reminder that G‑d is with us.
When we remember that the Holy Land of Israel is a land under His constant watch, and that “the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps,” it gives us courage, confidence, and clarity. And like we are experiencing miracles in Israel now, may we soon see the greatest miracle of all: the coming of Mashiach, when the words of the prophet will be fulfilled “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show you wonders,” with peace and prosperity for all humanity.
May that day come soon.

This week I visited Israel together with Governor Larry Rhoden. In addition to trade and business meetings hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the delegation met with many of Israel’s leaders, visited Yad Vashem, spent time with IDF soldiers recovering at Hadassah Hospital, and prayed at the Western Wall. It was a meaningful trip of solidarity that came at a critical time. We are grateful that South Dakota stands strong in its unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community.
Last night, the world watched as Israel took a brave and necessary step, launching a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military leadership. The Torah places the highest value on preserving human life. Sometimes, the most effective way to do that is to strike first, not wait until the threat has already targeted you. As the Talmud teaches, "If someone rises to kill you, rise first to kill them."
It may not always be the most popular move in diplomatic or political circles. But if the goal is to actually save lives, and not just earn compliments, this is clearly the right thing to do. A powerful preemptive strike saves lives. Not only of your own people, but even of your enemy.
So far, Israel’s operation has been deemed successful. In fact, it has been nothing short of miraculous and we should be thankful to G-d for showing us such great miracles. While some on the world stage may criticize it now, history shows that eventually they too will appreciate it and be grateful that Israel had the courage to act.
Naturally, there is concern about what may come next. In moments like these, we must stand first in our faith in G-d. As the Psalmist writes, "The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps." We recall the Biblical promise "I will grant peace upon the land… G-d watches over it from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." We are reminded that true strength does not come from human might, but from G-d above. With that in mind, we can face the future with calm and confidence.
Now is an important time for each of us to increase in Torah study, prayer, and acts of charity, especially in honor of the brave soldiers defending Israel, and its people. These spiritual acts give them strength, uplift us and ease our anxiety, and will enable us to enter Shabbat with strength and joy in our hearts.
Let us continue to pray for Israel’s success and for the safety and security of its people and Jews everywhere.

We just celebrated Shavuot, and what an inspiring holiday it was. From late-night learning to the Ten Commandments Torah reading. From the young children that decorated our bima with Mount Sinai flowers and the wonderful dairy dinner enjoyed by the community, it was truly special. Shavuot is the holiday of past, present, and future, and together, we celebrated receiving the Torah while looking ahead as we continue building a strong and vibrant Jewish community.
At the same time, the world around us is shaking. With everything happening in Israel, and the attacks against Jews and Jewish events here at home, it's easy to feel disoriented or even afraid. It is deeply troubling to see Jews being burned on the streets of America, and we are grateful to law enforcement for swifty apprehending and forcefully charging the terrorist perpetrator and his accomplices. 
We can never allow these things to deter us. Doing so would be giving those who hate us exactly what they want. In moments like these, we must hold on to a few fundamental truths that are central to the worldview of a Jew:

• The Jewish people have the right to live in peace and safety in the Holy Land of Israel, because G-d gave it to us. This is written in the Torah, which is revered by billions of people around the world. May we internalize this and have the strength to say it with pride.
  
  
• The Torah is a “tree of life to those who hold onto it.” By living according to its teachings and embracing the mitzvahs, a Jew can find true meaning, fulfillment, and peace. May we each merit a taste of this life.
  
  
• The Torah’s highest value is the sanctity of human life. When there is a threat, we must act first to protect life, eliminating danger before it strikes. We must do so until there is decisive victory, because otherwise the threat returns. May Israel have the strength to live this truth, and may we have the clarity to say it.
  
  
• At Mt. Sinai G-d made us the “chosen people.” This is not something to be ashamed of. It means we were chosen for duty and obligation to live with higher purpose and responsibility. By living with more goodness, holiness, and integrity, we act as “a light unto the nations.” May we embrace this calling and be proud of who we are.

Finally, let us find inspiration in the eternal words of priestly blessing in this week’s Torah portion: “May G-d bless you and watch over you. May G-d shine His face to you and endow you with grace. May G-d bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace.”