Today’s Torah portion of Tzav coincides with Yud Aleph Nissan, the Rebbe’s birthday. I didn’t want to miss saying at least a few words in honor of this special day, because a birthday is a very powerful day for every individual. But when we speak about a Rebbe, and especially our Rebbe, it carries a much deeper meaning.
Ordinarily, when a child is born, we do not know what that person will become. People have freedom of choice, and they can grow in different directions. But there are exceptions. When the Eibeshter sends a leader, a Moshe Rabbeinu of the generation, that leadership is destined from the very beginning. From birth, that individual is guided for a unique mission.
We see this with Moshe Rabbeinu. When he was born, it says, “Vateira oso ki tov,” that his mother saw that he was good, and Rashi explains that the house filled with light. Even as a newborn, his greatness was evident. The same applies to the leaders of each generation.
The Rebbe came at a time of great spiritual challenge. In earlier generations, there was opposition to Yiddishkeit, but opposition can sometimes strengthen a person, forcing them to dig deeper. In the Rebbe’s time, however, the challenge was apathy—ignorance and indifference. People did not even know, and many did not care.
The Rebbe himself pointed this out, speaking about children who do not even come to the Seder. Even the “wicked son” is at least present, asking questions, giving an opportunity to engage with him. But what about those who are not there at all? That was the challenge the Rebbe faced.
Through his leadership, the Rebbe transformed the landscape of Jewish life, especially in the United States and throughout the world. Today, Chabad houses can be found everywhere, reaching Jews in every place. This is the Rebbe’s work, visible across the globe.
Yud Aleph Nissan is therefore not just a birthday. It marks the birth of a leader whose mission was defined from the outset. The Rebbe was given extraordinary abilities and responsibility, and through them, he accomplished an immeasurable amount.
Beyond the Jewish community, the Rebbe also influenced the entire world, encouraging all people to live moral lives through the observance of the Seven Noahide Laws.
For those who learn the Rebbe’s teachings and follow his directives, the connection is personal and ongoing. Through learning the Rebbe’s Torah, especially his letters, one gains insight into how the Rebbe guided individuals in all areas—spiritual, physical, and emotional.
Today, I had the opportunity to go to the Ohel and daven at the Rebbe’s resting place. There were many people there. As you walk in, there are videos playing of the Rebbe’s farbrengens. At one point, there was a clear image of myself visible on the screen from one of those farbrengens. It was a special and personal moment, a reminder that the Rebbe sees and appreciates the efforts of those who come and connect.
This particular image was from a Yud Aleph Nissan farbrengen. Looking at it, it seemed that I was not yet married at the time, as I was not wearing a kapotah. It was a powerful reminder of those moments spent in the Rebbe’s presence.
The Rebbe’s birthday also comes just before Pesach, a time filled with preparation—cleaning, kashering, obtaining matzah. Yet, in the midst of all this, the Rebbe would hold a major farbrengen. People would leave everything and come. These gatherings brought a special energy that helped prepare for Pesach.
The Rebbe personally distributed matzah, wished people a kosher and joyous Yom Tov, and encouraged widespread distribution of matzah. At one point, when the crowds became too large, the Rebbe entrusted others to distribute on his behalf.
In this week’s parsha, there is also a discussion about the time to eat certain korbanos. While the Torah allows eating until morning, the sages limited it to midnight to prevent a person from delaying and ultimately transgressing.
The Rebbe explains that this distinction reflects different aspects of Torah study—some derived directly from the text, and others requiring deeper understanding and reasoning.
There is also a discussion regarding vessels used for holy meat, and how absorption within the vessel can affect its status. The Rebbe presents a profound insight that the absorbed matter itself becomes disqualified, requiring immediate treatment of the vessel.
All of this reflects the depth of the Rebbe’s Torah and the breadth of his leadership. On Yud Aleph Nissan, we reflect not only on the Rebbe’s birth, but on the ongoing impact of his life and teachings, and our connection to him through learning and living his Torah.