Art by Sefira Lightstone
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY
This Shabbat is a special one for a number of reasons. First, we read a special song that the Jewish people sang when they crossed the Sea of Reeds as part of this week’s Parsha, Beshalach. But there is additional significance in that this Shabbat commemorates the yahrtzeit of the previous Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, who passed away in 1950. Exactly one year later in 1951, his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (“the Rebbe”), assumed leadership of Chabad; the Rebbe expanded this global outreach movement and inspired institutions such as our very own Friendship Circle.
So, what’s the connection? The Parsha begins to tell us of Jewish people’s journey in the desert. Obviously, their time in the desert was a special one; it is the time period that takes up most of the Torah. For one thing, the Jewish people were sustained throughout their travels by heaven-sent Manna that fell every day with the exception of Shabbat. On Friday, a double portion of manna would fall and be collected to be held for Shabbat. This is commemorated weekly with two loaves of Challah that we have on the Shabbat table. What is the lesson of the Manna? Manna fell fresh daily – the same for each person no matter who they were – and spoiled after nightfall, so no one was able to hold on to theirs for future consumption. Yet Shabbat was the exception to this rule. This miraculous phenomenon teaches us something important for life: We each get our portion. No matter how hard we work, or how much time we spend, we get that which is destined for us. Sure, work is essential because G-d wants us to make a vessel, but we are destined for the amount we receive. Also, nothing material is held over. When it’s over, it’s over and you can’t take anything with you when it is. Lastly, there is an exception to this rule: Shabbat. This refers to the good deeds and matters of goodness and holiness that have the ability to “come with.” Those things live on no matter what happens. As we prepare to commemorate this special Shabbat, and a day marking the passing of such a righteous person, we can take this lesson to heart, that his legacy lives on in the many people who continue to learn and take inspiration from him.
So let us stay focused on holy and good deeds, and may we blessed to see in this world the have everlasting impact they have! Good Shabbos!