Geon Yaakov!

InspirationParsha

Jun 27

I'm getting it, more and more. And as I get it, I develop much more compassion towards others, more accepting of their limitations and how that bumps up against me and my jagged edges but also inner strength.

What I'm getting is a sense of self, a true sense of self. That who I am is not dependent on what others think, not dependent on what I have, not dependent on what happened to me in the past or will happen in the future, not dependent on what I accomplish, but on the fact that my core, my essence is a part of Hashem. That is where my worth comes from!

When I can be in that part of my consciousness, I see the worth of the other and have compassion on the parts of them that interfere with their showing up in a more core fashion. I also realize that what rubs me the wrong way is my parts clashing with their parts.

Lately, the Jewish People have been going through a metamorphosis. (I hope you've been a part of it. If not, these days must have been extra tough.) The metamorphosis is realizing that our worth as a People doesn't come from the opinion of the media, not from the demonstrators who spew their hatred, not from what we've accomplished as a People or as a State, not from how many Mitzvot we observe or how much Torah we've learned, not from what we've done or not done, but simply from Hashem because He has chosen us.

This is called Geon Yaakov - the strength of Jacob. This name is specifically chosen because it represents the struggle of the Jew. And boy have we struggled.

We've also seen the amazing miracles in Israel these past few weeks, an expression of Hashem's profound love for us.

This Geon Yaakov is something that the Rebbe tried to cultivate in all Jews as well as in Jewish and Israeli leaders. Our identity is strengthened when we embrace this truth, this inner worth.

This Sunday, we will commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Rebbe's passing. As time moves on this message of the Rebbe becomes more clear and stronger. We are Jews, Hashem's chosen People. Let's be proud of it!

I hope you'll take some positive actions this Sunday in honor of the Rebbe's Yurzeit to connect with the holiness of the day and to draw inspiration to grow in our conscious connection to Hashem.

With all my love.

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

Ps. Here are some traditions to observe on a Rebbe's Yurzeit

1. Watch a video of the Rebbe. Click here.

2. Study some Torah in the Rebbe's honor. Click here.

3. Think of a Jew who can use some love and care and reach out.

4. Give Tzedakah to support the Rebbe's institutions. Click here.

5. Finally, write to the Rebbe. Are you in need of a blessing? Do you want to pray for our People? Is there someone in your life who needs blessing? Even if you are not in need, today is a day to download blessings. Please follow this link to a page where you can learn about writing a letter which will be placed at the Rebbe's resting place (Ohel).

Learn more about the Rebbe and this special day by clicking here.

You can also read my articles "My Rebbe" and this one "I miss him. " published on Chabad.org

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