1. The Torah’s Warning Against Assimilation
In Parshas Re’ei, specifically in Shlishi, we encounter a striking verse: “Yishomer lecho pentinokesh achareyem—Be careful, lest you will stumble after them.” The Torah is warning the Jewish people that after God destroys the nations inhabiting Eretz Yisroel and the Jews settle there, they must not be drawn after the ways of those nations. The verse continues: “Upen tidresh leylei heyem—You might seek and investigate their gods, saying: How do these nations worship their gods? I too want to do the same.” This is a powerful caution against adopting the practices and values of surrounding cultures.
This warning is not just about idolatry in the literal sense, but also about a broader tendency to imitate the lifestyles and priorities of other nations. The Torah recognizes a human desire to fit in, to become part of the prevailing culture—what is often called the “melting pot” effect. This urge can lead Jews to abandon their unique heritage in favor of assimilation.
2. The Immigrant Experience in America
The Rebbe highlights how this Torah warning became a reality for many Jewish immigrants who came to America from Europe. In Europe, Jews faced persecution and limited opportunities for prosperity. Upon arriving in America, they saw new possibilities for success and comfort. Many asked themselves: “Eicha yavdu agoyim ha’eila—How do these nations worship?” In other words, how do Americans achieve success? They observed that material wealth and social integration were highly valued.
This led some to say: “Ve’esekein gamoni—Let me do so as well.” They sought to follow the American model for prosperity, even if it meant leaving behind their traditions from the Altish Tetl—the old shtetl life in Europe. Shabbos observance, keeping kosher, putting on tefillin—all these mitzvos were sometimes set aside in pursuit of the “good life,” the American dream.
3. The Cost of Material Success
The pursuit of material success came at a spiritual cost. Many did not realize that by exchanging their heritage for physical comforts, they were neglecting something far deeper—the needs of their neshama, their Jewish soul. While striving for prosperity for themselves and their children, they sacrificed their connection with Hashem, Torah, mitzvos, and the beautiful chain linking them back through generations to Moshe Rabbeinu.
This created an inner conflict within families. Parents felt guilty about abandoning their heritage but also wanted to spare their children from hardship and ensure they could fully integrate into American society. To avoid this conflict for their children, many chose not to educate them about Judaism at all—sending them instead to public schools and encouraging full assimilation.
4. The Consequences: A Lost Generation
The result was a generation largely cut off from its roots—a generation that felt something was missing but could not always identify what it was. Thousands upon thousands of Jewish children grew up without knowledge or appreciation of their faith or heritage. In seeking material comfort and acceptance, much was lost spiritually.
This loss is deeply felt today as many recognize that material wealth alone cannot satisfy the yearning of the soul. There remains an emptiness that only spiritual connection can fill.
5. The Mitzvah of Reaching Out
Because so many Jewish souls have become distant from Yiddishkeit, it becomes a tremendous mitzvah and obligation for every Jew to reach out and bring these lost children back. Chabad’s mission is precisely this: seeking out those who have followed Eicha yavdu agoyim ha’eila—those who tried to live like everyone else—and helping them rediscover what makes them unique as Jews.
The needs of a Jew are different because we possess a neshama, a soul that craves spirituality and connection with Hashem. Our task is to nurture that soul by igniting its spark with warmth, beauty, light, and inspiration from Torah and mitzvos.
6. Standing Strong in Our Identity
The Torah concludes this section with another command: “Loi sasun kein laShem Elokecha—Do not behave this way toward Hashem your God.” We are warned not to sacrifice our spiritual identity on the altar of material success or social acceptance as other nations might do for their gods.
The nations may even go so far as sacrificing everything—even burning away what is most precious—for material gain or acceptance by society. But we are commanded otherwise: our task is to preserve our connection with Hashem and bring back those holy sparks (nitzutzis) that have been scattered.
7. Elul: A Time for Spiritual Return
The month of Elul is especially appropriate for this work of return (Teshuvah). It is a time when there is Kiruv HaMoer El Hanitzus—a closeness between Hashem (the luminary) and each individual spark within us. During Elul, Hashem’s mercy shines more brightly into our world, making it an opportune moment to reach out, rekindle souls, and bring ourselves and others closer la’avinu sheba shamayim—to our Father in Heaven.
May we merit a Kisivah v’Chasimah Tovah, a good inscription and sealing for the coming year. Let us learn from these lessons never to abandon our heritage but instead embrace it with pride and joy.
8. Closing Blessings and Song
The shiur concludes with repeated blessings of “Shabbat Shalom,” expressing hope for peace and spiritual fulfillment as we enter Shabbos together as one community united by our shared heritage.
(The closing includes singing or recitation inviting others lovingly: “Vem Vem Vem filho... vem meu filho...”—a heartfelt call echoing our hope that all Jewish souls will return home.)