One lesson from the Rebbe

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.