1. The Connection Between Parsha and Timely Events
In today’s shiur on Parshas Chukas, specifically the portion of Revi’i, I want to begin by referencing a teaching from the Shaloh HaKadosh—the holy Shaloh. The Rebbe would often quote the Shaloh’s idea that although the order in which we read the weekly Torah portions is not based on the time of year, there is always a deeper connection between what is happening in our lives or on the calendar and the parsha we are reading. While it may seem that we simply read one parsha after another to complete the Torah by Simchas Torah, the Shaloh teaches that whenever a Yom Tov or special event occurs during a particular week, there is always a meaningful link between that event and the parsha.
This concept applies not only to major holidays like Yom Kippur but also to more personal or communal occasions, such as a bris milah—covenant of circumcision. When we have the merit to participate in such a simcha, it becomes an opportunity to reflect on how these moments are woven into the fabric of our Torah reading and spiritual journey.
2. Generational Continuity and Historical Challenges
The simcha of a bris is especially poignant for those who are descendants of Jews who endured great hardships in previous generations. Many of us here are connected to families who lived through difficult times, particularly during the era of Soviet oppression. The baby celebrated today was named after Moshe Aron Geisinski, a true tzadik—righteous person—by any standard, even among earlier generations.
These individuals faced immense challenges as Jews in Europe and Russia, enduring suffering and persecution simply for their faith. The significance of dates like Gimel Tammuz and Yud Beis Tammuz, which mark the liberation of the Frierdiker Rebbe from Soviet imprisonment, is deeply felt by those whose families experienced these events firsthand or through close connection.
The crime for which these leaders were imprisoned was nothing more than being Jewish and upholding Yiddishkeit. As time passes, fewer people remain who lived through 1927 themselves; now we mostly know people who knew those original survivors. This generational chain underscores how precious it is when we can gather for a bris today in freedom and joy.
3. Parshas Chukas: Lessons from Moshe’s Appeal
The narrative in this week’s parsha provides a powerful parallel to our own history. When Moshe speaks to the king of Edom, he recounts all the troubles Bnei Yisrael endured: “You know all the difficulties that have befallen us.” Just as our ancestors went down to Mitzrayim (Egypt) and suffered there for many years, so too did Jews in Russia experience their own modern-day Mitzrayim—a place of hardship and oppression.
The Torah describes how Bnei Yisrael cried out to Hashem and were ultimately redeemed. Similarly, during times like Gimel Tammuz, Jews cried out for salvation from their own forms of exile. The Frierdiker Rebbe led hundreds of Lubavitch families out of Russia, paralleling the Exodus from Egypt.
Yet even after leaving one form of exile, new challenges arise. In America or other free countries, while we may not face physical oppression (Mitzrayim), we encounter different tests: temptations and distractions that can pull us away from Torah values (besodeh—in the field; bekerim—in the vineyard). Our plea remains: let us pass through safely so we can raise our children as strong Jews and Chassidim despite these new nisyonos (challenges).
4. Raising Future Generations with Strength
The celebration of a bris today represents not just continuity but triumph over adversity across four generations—from those who survived Russian oppression to their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren living freely as Jews committed to Torah and mitzvos.
The phrase etoyre machzeres ha-achsanya shelo—Torah returns to its rightful host—captures this idea beautifully: after all that has been endured, Torah life continues within these families. Even when denied passage through Edom (representing obstacles), Bnei Yisrael remained steadfast on their journey toward Eretz Yisrael without compromising their values.
This is our hope as well: that our children will continue on this path without being swayed by external influences or temptations (besodeh bekerim). We strive for them to reach their spiritual destination unscathed—living lives pleasing to Hashem.
5. The Legacy of Moshe Aron Geisinski and Family Memories
The baby’s namesake, Moshe Aron Geisinski, left an indelible mark on his family and community. On our family WhatsApp group, when asked about his name, everyone immediately recognized “Meshar”—a testament to his beloved status among his descendants.
I recall stories shared at farbrengens about Meshar’s lineage as an enikel (descendant) of the Shpolar Zeideh. There was once some confusion regarding whether Rabi Leib Soros and Shpolar Zeideh were one person or two distinct individuals—a matter Meshar took seriously enough to write about it to the Rebbe himself. The Rebbe later addressed this topic at a farbrengen, clarifying that they were indeed separate figures despite overlapping histories as contemporaries and students of the Maggid of Mezritch alongside the Alter Rebbe.
I also remember my father’s pride in having taught Meshar at some point during their wanderings—a unique relationship akin to a student teaching his rebbe due to circumstances.
6. Blessings for Continued Nachas and Upright Paths
I want to take this opportunity to wish Rabbi Naftali and Chani Lillian Mazel Tov on this simcha! May you continue seeing much Yiddishe nachas from Meshar together with Menachem Mendel and Nochem—all bearing names connected with greatness in our family history.
The hope is that these children will grow up “not besodeh, not bekerim,” meaning they will avoid straying into negative influences but instead walk straight along Hashem’s path without lingering or deviation. Just as Edom refused passage even when Bnei Yisrael promised not to stray off course, so too do we pray our children will remain steadfast regardless of obstacles placed before them.
This steadfastness is symbolized by drinking from Be’er Mayim Chaim—the living waters associated with Miriam’s well—a source that sustained Bnei Yisrael spiritually throughout their journey.
7. Hope for Redemption with Gimel Tammuz
As we approach Gimel Tammuz once again, our prayers intensify for Hashem’s mercy: may He return us our Rebbe speedily with true geulah (redemption). The legacy of mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) shown by previous generations continues to inspire us as we strive for uprightness amidst today’s freedoms and challenges alike.