1. The Importance of Gathering for Yud-Beis Tammuz
We’re here today in Albany, a neighboring state and the capital, which holds significance as a center for Chabad activities. I want to thank Mikhoel Karis for inviting me. Today is Yud-Beis Tammuz, a day we’ve been instructed to farbreng—to gather and reflect. If we just pass by the day, omitting taqnun—supplicatory prayers—and treat it like any other, we miss the opportunity and essence of what this day offers. The Rebbe was deeply devoted to this day and expected that all Jews, not just Chassidim or Lubavitchers, should celebrate Yud-Beis Tammuz as a holiday of redemption. The purpose of our gathering is to focus on what took place during these days and, most importantly, to be inspired. Life presents many challenges and questions; we are constantly tested both in action and thought. That’s why it’s so important to have a support group—to strengthen each other, pause for a few minutes, and focus on the life and history commemorated today. Through singing a nigun, sharing some l’chaim, and sitting together in unity, we encourage each other to withstand all the winds that blow around us.2. The Value of Torah Life: Personal Reflections
Recently my family surprised me with a 60th birthday party. Reflecting back to when I first came to Sharon, there was only a small modern Orthodox community—we were the first Chassidim there. Our friends from that community were genuinely concerned about our lifestyle: how would we provide for our children? How would they make a living? At that time, their approach seemed more secure. But looking back now, it’s clear that the path of Torah and Mitzvos, the way of Chassidus and Chabad, brings not only spiritual fulfillment but also physical blessings. Many who once questioned our choices now see the results in their own lives versus ours. We are fortunate; Yud-Beis Tammuz is a time of redemption from whatever holds us back personally. Each person has their own struggles they can’t escape alone—this is an opportunity for redemption.3. The Historical Context: Soviet Oppression and Mesirus Nefesh
When we talk about Yud-Beis Tammuz as Chag HaGeulah—the Festival of Redemption—we recall what happened in 1927 (Tof-Reish-Pey-Zayin). Life in the Soviet Union after 1917 was extremely difficult for Jews: religious schools were closed, shuls shuttered, mikvahs banned. The communists themselves didn’t know much about Judaism, but the yavseksia—a Jewish section within the regime—was especially harsh. Most Jews couldn’t withstand this oppression; even some rabbonim gave in or simply couldn’t resist. Many children ended up in government schools with no connection to Judaism at all. But the Frierdiker Rebbe (Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe), almost single-handedly with his devoted chassidim (including my father), stood up against these decrees. They ran underground yeshivas from city to city, always one step ahead of authorities. This was when Chassidus was truly tested—not just theories or think tanks but real-life mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice). The Frierdiker Rebbe’s leadership under those circumstances was extraordinary: he kept Jewish life alive despite impossible odds.4. The Arrest and Redemption of the Frierdiker Rebbe
In 1927, after years of threats and persecution, they finally arrested the Frierdiker Rebbe on 15 Sivan with a death sentence looming over him. Miraculously, through Divine mercy (bechazdei Shomayim), this verdict was commuted first to ten years hard labor (crossed out), then three years exile in Kastrama. A powerful story recounted by the Rebbe: When told he would be released from prison but sent into exile on Shabbos, the Frierdiker Rebbe refused to travel on Shabbos despite threats and beatings—a level of self-sacrifice beyond comprehension. He saw his captors as nothing (ayin ve-efes mamash) and would not compromise even an iota on halacha. This wasn’t just calculation or logic—it was his very essence as a leader devoted entirely to Hashem’s will without compromise or facade.5. Genuine Leadership: The Relationship Between Rebbeim
The authenticity of Yiddishkeit embodied by the Frierdiker Rebbe is hard for us to grasp today because so much around us is superficial or performative. The Rebbe’s relationship with his father-in-law was one of total self-negation (bittel). There’s video footage showing how completely he effaced himself before the Frierdiker Rebbe—a living example of what it means to be a true chossid. Yud-Beis Tammuz marks not only redemption but also deep connection between these two leaders: The Rebbe considered himself almost as a substitute while his father-in-law was away rather than as an independent seventh rebbe at first. His devotion went beyond anything imaginable—using all his talents solely for furthering his father-in-law’s mission.6. Celebrating Geulah Even Amidst Golus
A question arises: Why celebrate Chag HaGeulah when we’re still in golus? After Gimel Tammuz we don’t have the Frierdiker Rebbe physically among us anymore; after Gimel Tammuz we don’t have our own Rebbe physically either. The answer lies in understanding that geulah isn’t only physical presence but continuity through us—ma zarei b’chayim af hu b’chayim: if his children are alive spiritually, so is he! As long as we continue living by their teachings and values together as one family at one table with mutual respect (sheves achim gam yachad), then “Yaakov Avinu lo meis”—our forebears live on through us. If instead we become divided by petty grievances or hatred toward each other (sinas chinam) then “avinu meis” becomes our reality regardless of slogans or declarations.7. Overcoming Pettiness: Ahavas Yisroel as True Redemption
I shared an experience with an old friend who became embroiled in conflict with another shliach and began expressing hatred over email. I asked him: Where does such hatred come from? Disagreements happen but hatred has no place among chassidim! This is what true geulah requires—freeing ourselves from pettiness and negativity toward others. There’s an old story about someone who wrote extensively against lashon hara (evil speech) but neglected addressing negative thoughts or feelings themselves—if you don’t feel negativity inside you won’t speak it outside! We must work not only on our words but also on our hearts. Whether you say “Yehi” or not is less important than whether you harbor love or hate for your fellow Jew or chossid.8. Humility Versus Superficiality: Lessons from Minsk and Beyond
In Minsk there were two great rabbonim known for scholarship and piety who practiced humility publicly (“I’m nothing”). But when an ordinary shoemaker echoed them (“I’m certainly nothing!”) they dismissed him—true humility isn’t just words but reality based on genuine accomplishment. It’s easy for someone without achievements to claim humility—but real humility comes from those who have reason for pride yet choose self-effacement anyway.In Lubavitch too, if you ever think highly of yourself just visit 770—others will quickly remind you where you stand! All jokes aside: The greatness of our leaders lay precisely in their ability to be completely battel—self-nullified—to something higher than themselves.
The Rebbe used all his gifts solely for furthering his father-in-law’s mission without personal agenda or compromise.
Even when books are written about the Rebbe focusing only on select aspects (statesmanship etc.), they often miss this core truth—his extremism in devotion both to Hashem and Chassidus without compromise.
As shluchim especially face temptation to dilute standards “for outreach,” remember: love yes—but never at expense of halacha or authenticity!
9. Devotion Without Compromise: Guidance for Shluchim and All Jews
The Rebbe once wrote to someone involved in outreach who worried he’d lose out spiritually by dedicating time away from learning Torah:When you share your knowledge with another Jew—even if it seems like you’re sacrificing your own growth—you actually gain far more than you lose.
It’s like business—you measure success at year-end not minute-by-minute losses.
Helping others brings blessing both spiritually and materially.
Every Jew has something unique they can teach another—even if it’s just Aleph-Bais.
Don’t be afraid—free yourself from fears or doubts about your own worthiness or ability.
Our path has proven itself successful physically, spiritually, emotionally—embrace it!
10. Final Words: Fulfilling the Rebbe’s Request Together
Ultimately what matters most is fulfilling what the Rebbe asked—to gather together on Yud-Beis/Yud-Gimmel Tammuz,to talk about the Frierdiker Rebbe,
to reflect on mesirus nefesh,
and most importantly,
to leave inspired.
If we can hold ourselves up even a little longer amidst challenges,
support each other,
raise strong families,
and build vibrant communities,
then we have succeeded.
Thank you again for inviting me here;
may Rabbi Rubin continue with much success,
and may all present be blessed with strength,
energy,
and true simcha!
L’chaim! – May Hashem help us break through all boundaries until ultimate geulah arrives speedily!