This week we read in the Torah how Balak, the king of Moab, summons the prophet Balaam to curse the people of Israel. Balaam attempts to pronounce his curses; each time, blessings issue forth instead, and he says:
“How can I curse whom G-d has not cursed, and how can I invoke wrath if the L-rd has not been angered? For from their beginning, I see them as mountain peaks, and I behold them as hills; it is a nation that will dwell alone, and will not be reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:8-9)
Reading these verses reminded me of two conversations the Rebbe had on the topic of the people of Israel being "a nation that dwells alone...,” one with Yitzhak Rabin, and one with social critic, author and professor, Harvey Swados. 
Rabin recalled how the Rebbe spoke with him about his position as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, and Israel's position on the world stage, and quoted this verse reminding Rabin that while Israel may have friends, they still would still be “alone” and looked at differently. There was something to embrace about this. During their conversation, the Rebbe explained that what historically kept the people of Israel “alone” was a result of both the positive aspects of Judaism, our faith, and our commitment, as well as the negative forces of Jew-hatred, which helped quell assimilation and kept us together as a people. (Watch Rabin retell it here). 
The conversation with Swados took an interesting turn. What follows are notes taken by Swados, published by the New York Times, read the full piece here:
“...Earlier, you asked me about the future of Judaism. Suppose I ask you how you explain the past, the survival of Judaism over three millennia.”
“Well,” I said a bit uneasily, “the negative force of persecution has certainly driven people together who might otherwise disintegrate. I'm not certain that the disappearance of that persecution, whether through statehood in Israel or through the extension of democracy in this country, wouldn't weaken or destroy what you think of as Jewishness.”
“Do you really think that only a negative force unites the little tailor in Melbourne and the Rothschild in Paris?” the Rebbe asked me.
“I wouldn't deny the positive aspects of Judaism.”
“Then suppose that scientific inquiry and historical research lead you to conclude that factors which you might regard as irrational have contributed to the continuity of Judaism. Wouldn't you feel logically bound to acknowledge the power of the irrational, even though you declined to embrace it?”
The conversations the Rebbe had with Rabin and Swados give us so much to think about. In the meantime, let's embrace our beautiful heritage by deepening our Jewish education, and strengthen our observance of Torah and Mitzvahs so we can live our faith with pride. 

This Tuesday marks the 30th yahrzeit of the Rebbe, on the Jewish calendar the date is Gimmel Tammuz. Scripture records it as the day Joshua stopped the sun from setting. 
I was a young child when I met the Rebbe, but my worldview continues to be shaped by him. This week is an appropriate time to reflect and share inspiration from the Rebbe and his teachings.
The Rebbe spoke about our times being the “Jet Age,” where progress can happen faster than previously imagined, and we can appreciate how each moment is of the essence. He explained that the discovery and development of nuclear energy demonstrates that what once seemed impossible or could take decades to accomplish, can happen instantly and with massive impact. The same can be said more recently about AI. While these abilities always existed, they were just not discovered and realized until now. 
The same is true not only about our spiritual life journey and accomplishments but also our practical capabilities. The Rebbe showed us how to live a higher reality—the true reality—without being tied down by self-imposed restraints and societal constraints.
Once, when a felon recently released from prison told the Rebbe that he was having a hard time getting over his past and incarceration, the Rebbe encouraged him to put it behind him: “It is soon Passover,” the Rebbe said, “If the Jews have gotten past Egypt, it is time for you to get past prison. And even if it is difficult, try your best.”
When we try our best, we are guaranteed to see successful results. Not only because of the effort we put in but because we can tap into the spiritual “nuclear energy” that can propel us even further than we imagined.
Consider the following:

• That a Jew who has not been involved with Judaism in decades, who may have never had a bar or bat mitzvah and can't recognize the alef beis, would still feel a strong sense of spiritual connection and devotion to Yiddishkeit, defies reason and the laws of nature.
• That a young observant couple can relocate to a secular college town where they live differently than everyone else, and within a short time be the home for the hundreds of Jewish students on campus, defies reason and the laws of nature.
• That a people who have been oppressed and subjugated for millennia, can stand strong and proud, continuing their faith, traditions and identity, defies reason and the laws of nature. 
• That in 2024 one can believe in the eternal truths of the Torah and live by them, defies reason and the laws of nature. 
• That all humanity can recognize the purpose G-d has in our creation and that of the entire universe, and live a life of morals and values filled with goodness and kindness, defies reason and the laws of nature. 

Yet, it is happening. The Rebbe believed this was possible, and demonstrated that all this, and more, can be accomplished. Not by defying nature, but by digging deeper within nature itself and revealing its truest essence. When the Rebbe first told us this, some couldn’t see it. But now we are living it. I call this a Moshiach reality, by recognizing the miracle that is. When we do, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
The Rebbe often cited this teaching from Maimonides. Although I’m not good with the data, it may even be the teaching he cited most often altogether:
“One should always look at himself and the world as equally balanced between merit and the opposite, if he performs one mitzvah, he tips his balance and that of the entire world to the side of merit and brings deliverance and salvation to himself and others.” 
The Rebbe urged us to recognize not only the enormous potential we have but also the responsibility and mandate we bear. By unlocking the nuclear energy we all posses and living in that Moshiach reality, it can be done. Now it is up to you and me to tip the balance of the universe.
Today the sun is shining brightly. We are fortunate to live in the Rebbe’s time.