1. The Redemption of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz
Today is the 13th day of Tammuz, marking the day when the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe was freed from his exile in the city of Kastrama. The Rebbe, in his Hayom Yom—daily teaching—calculates with precision the exact days and hours from when the previous Rebbe was first arrested on the 15th of Sivan at 3:15, until his release at 12:15 on the 13th of Tammuz. This attention to detail, down to the minute, highlights that every aspect of these events carries deep significance. The Rebbe emphasizes not only the dates but also the times and days of the week, underscoring how long the previous Rebbe endured his ordeal. While it may be beyond our ordinary capacity to fully analyze these details, their importance is clear from how much focus is given to them.
2. Lessons from Mesiras Nefesh for Yiddishkeit
Reflecting on the previous Rebbe’s mesiras nefesh—self-sacrifice—reminds us of his unwavering fight for Yiddishkeit. His example teaches that we too must be prepared to sacrifice for Judaism in our own lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to attend minyan—prayer services—or join a Torah class, or even perform other mitzvos. But contemplating the previous Rebbe’s dedication should inspire us to strengthen ourselves and push through challenges in our own observance.
3. Remembering Rabbi Yossi Rapp and His Legacy
I also want to mention a tragic event that occurred today in New York: Rabbi Yossi Rapp, a friend, colleague, and in many ways a teacher and distinguished individual, was killed this afternoon in Crown Heights due to a car accident. I remember him clearly from my youth growing up in Crown Heights after he arrived from Israel. He was a few years older than us and organized various shiurim—Torah classes—for us. He later became a major activist, especially with connections to El Al airlines, helping transport matzos and other items for Chabad activities in Israel.
Rabbi Rapp had deep ties with both the Rebbe and many aspects of shlichus—outreach work—and served as part of the yeshiva administration. His sudden passing is a great loss; he was truly devoted to Chassidus and all its teachings. May this remembrance serve as an aliyas neshamah—elevation for his soul.
4. Parshas Balak: The Roots of Hatred Against Am Yisrael
This week’s parsha connects deeply with these themes. The previous Rebbe suffered at the hands of those who sought harm for Jews, echoing an ancient pattern of hatred against Am Yisrael that we see in Parshas Balak. In this parsha, Balak hires Bilaam to curse Bnei Yisrael. The question arises: who hated them more? Was it Balak or Bilaam?
The commentaries debate this point. According to Rashi and as explained by the Rebbe, Balak had at least some rationale for his hatred—he feared that Bnei Yisrael would take away his land as they approached Eretz Yisrael. Even though Hashem had told Bnei Yisrael not to attack Moav (since Moav descended from Lot’s daughters), Balak did not know this and acted out of fear.
5. Bilaam’s Baseless Hatred Versus Balak’s Fear
Bilaam’s hatred stands out as even greater than Balak’s because he knew there was no threat from Bnei Yisrael toward Moav. As a prophet, Bilaam should have reassured Balak that there was nothing to worry about—the Jewish people would not harm Moav or take their land. Instead, Bilaam chose not only to go along with Balak’s plan but actively participated in seeking harm against Bnei Yisrael without any justification.
This distinction shows that while some anti-Semitism is rationalized by supposed grievances or fears (like Balak’s), there exists a deeper form of hatred exemplified by Bilaam—a baseless animosity against Jews simply for being Jews.
6. Transforming Curses into Blessings: Hope Amidst Adversity
The story concludes on an uplifting note: despite all efforts by their enemies, Bnei Yisrael were not cursed but blessed instead. Similarly, although those who opposed the previous Rebbe tried to restrict him and suppress Jewish life, their efforts ultimately failed. Not only did they not succeed in harming him or Chabad activities, but he left Russia entirely and replanted vibrant Jewish life elsewhere.
This teaches us that even when times are difficult or seem hopeless, we must not give up hope or lose faith. Ultimately,dida notzach—victory will be ours—and Hashem will turn curses into blessings because He loves His people Israel.