1. Historical Context: Between Gimmel Tammuz and Yud Beis Tammuz
We are currently in the period between Gimmel Tammuz—the third of Tammuz, and Yud Beis Tammuz—the twelfth of Tammuz. This time is significant in Chabad history because it marks the liberation of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak, from Soviet imprisonment in 1927. He was initially freed on Gimmel Tammuz but was supposed to spend three years in exile in Kastramat. However, ten days later, on Yud Beis and Yud Gimmel Tammuz, he was completely freed and allowed to return home.
This period also coincides with the recent commemoration of 25 years since the yortzeit—anniversary of passing—of the Rebbe. The Rebbe, in his teachings on Parshas Chukas, emphasizes that true Jewish leaders continue to care for their people even after their physical passing. This is not only on a spiritual level, as our sages say that just as a leader served Hashem in this world, so too does he serve Hashem in the upper worlds, but also in a tangible way that affects the physical needs of the Jewish people.
2. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Enduring Leadership and Provision
The Rebbe draws from Parshas Chukas to illustrate how Moshe Rabbeinu ensured that Bnei Yisrael had all their necessities even after his passing. The Torah describes how certain essential provisions were given to the Jewish people through their leaders: water through Miriam, clouds through Aaron, and manna through Moshe Rabbeinu. Even after these leaders passed away, their merits continued to provide for the nation until Moshe’s own passing.
The Rebbe introduces a novel idea regarding the Ananei HaKovod—clouds of glory—that accompanied Bnei Yisrael in the desert. He notes that sometimes these are referred to simply as “clouds,” and other times as “clouds of glory,” suggesting a distinction between clouds used for necessities and those meant solely for honor.
3. The Three Gifts: Well, Clouds, and Manna
The Gemara teaches that Bnei Yisrael had three primary caretakers: Moshe, Aaron, and Miriam. Each brought a unique gift to the nation: Miriam’s merit brought forth water from the well; Aaron’s merit provided the protective clouds; Moshe’s merit brought down manna from heaven.
When Miriam died, the well disappeared but returned due to Moshe and Aaron’s merit. When Aaron died, the clouds left them—evidenced by an immediate attack from Amalek (disguised as Canaanites), who saw that Israel was no longer protected by clouds of glory. The Torah uses language indicating fear among Bnei Yisrael at this time because they lost this supernatural protection.
Ultimately, when Moshe passed away, all these special privileges ceased entirely. The Gemara supports this with verses showing that all three gifts departed simultaneously upon Moshe’s death.
4. Distinguishing Between Clouds of Glory and Necessary Clouds
A key question arises: If Bnei Yisrael complained when they lost water after Miriam’s death, why didn’t they complain when they lost the clouds after Aaron’s death? The Rebbe explores whether perhaps they no longer needed these clouds at that stage because they were near settled areas at the edge of Edom rather than deep in the desert.
The clouds served several functions: shielding from sun and wind; washing and ironing clothing (as Rashi explains); leading them on their journey; flattening rough terrain; and protecting them from snakes and scorpions. As Bnei Yisrael approached civilization where these needs were less pressing (e.g., access to new clothing or established roads), perhaps some functions of the clouds became unnecessary.
However, the Rebbe ultimately rejects this explanation. He argues that even near settled areas there remained dangers (such as attacks), so protection was still needed—evidenced by Amalek’s attack following Aaron’s death.
5. Two Types of Clouds: Necessity vs. Honor
The Rebbe concludes there were two categories of clouds: those necessary for protection or guidance (which returned due to Moshe’s merit), and those serving purely as honorific “clouds of glory” (which did not return). This distinction is reflected in Torah language: when discussing practical protection Rashi refers simply to “clouds,” while references to honor use “clouds of glory.”
This concept connects to Sukkos: we sit in a sukkah as a remembrance for these clouds. Yet halachically a sukkah requires only two-and-a-half walls—not seven like the number of clouds described—because it commemorates specifically those extra “clouds of glory,” not all protective ones.
6. Lessons for Leadership: The Ongoing Influence of True Leaders
The Rebbe applies this lesson to leadership throughout generations: true leaders ensure their followers’ needs are met even after their physical departure. He relates this both to Moshe Rabbeinu and to more recent history with the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe whose self-sacrifice ensured Jewish continuity under Soviet oppression.
Today we see a renaissance of Jewish life in Russia spanning three generations—a testament to enduring leadership rooted in mesirus nefesh—self-sacrifice.
7. The Unique Era After Gimmel Tammuz: Inspiration Without Physical Presence
A unique aspect of our generation is living without a physical Rebbe present—a situation unprecedented in Chabad history where previously each leader was succeeded by another tangible figurehead.
Despite this absence, technology enables us to maintain a vivid connection with the Rebbe through videos, recordings, photos, and stories capturing his teachings and personal interactions.
8. Sensitivity and Simplicity: Stories Illustrating Leadership Qualities
The Rebbe was renowned for his extraordinary sensitivity toward others’ feelings. For example, during davening he would cover his eyes with his hands so as not to be distracted by those present—but once refrained from doing so when someone disfigured by an accident attended shul so as not to cause embarrassment or discomfort.
Another story illustrates how he avoided walking between two women by gently handing tzedakah money so one would move aside naturally—always careful never to offend anyone while upholding halacha.
9. Faith Amidst Unanswered Questions: The Message of Parshas Chukas
Parshas Chukas begins with Zot chukata Torah—“this is the statute of the Torah.” Some mitzvos are given without rational explanation simply because Hashem commands them.
Similarly in life we encounter events or challenges we cannot understand or explain logically. The Torah teaches us acceptance: some things are decreed by Hashem beyond our comprehension.
10. Moving Forward With Strength Until Mashiach Comes
Hashem sends tzaddikim—righteous leaders—in every generation who help us overcome challenges until Mashiach arrives.
Our task is to do our best while praying for open miracles and redemption—even though we don’t know why it takes so long. But one thing is certain: Mashiach will come and gather us together with all righteous leaders throughout history.