On April 12 this year, we will be celebrating the Rebbe's 120 birthday. Why posthumously celebrate a birthday? Some may ask.
A Jew always answers a question with a question. So though I'm only imagining a question you asked me, I pose a question back at you. What does it mean to be living? To be alive? This past Tuesday, I attended a conference in Washington, DC that focused on the Rebbe's work and impact on world Jewry, and the world entire. I was honored to be welcomed by our Senator John Thune, and our congressman Dusty Johnson. At the conference we also heard from elected officials from every end of the spectrum. From Senators Chuck Schumer, to Ted Cruz, from Cory Booker to Lisa Murkowski, and even nearby Amy Klobuchar too. They spoke about how the Rebbe's teachings influence them and how it inspires and empowers human beings of all walks of life to dedicate their lives to serve others, to make our world a place of goodness and kindness, of love and unity, a place where G-d feels welcome and comfortable. They noted how through his transformative approach and dedication to rebuilding Judaism and inspiring all people, today, so many years after his his passing, Chabad and the Rebbe's work continues expand and positively impact Jewish life and American life, today! This is living. This is alive. And this is why the Rebbe's birthday is still celebrated today. On this 120th birthday, I hope to continue the mission the Rebbe entrusted, not to me, but to all of us, to spread our individual surroundings with more light. More goodness. More spirituality. More kindness. That we become better people, better families, better communities and thereby a better world.
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Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz BlogServing the spiritual needs of the South Dakota Jewish community. Based in Sioux Falls and travels the state. Archives
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