I want to share something personal today.
As a rabbi and Torah teacher, many people rely on me as a channel for inspiration, through classes, sermons and one on one conversations. It is not something I take lightly.
Every so often though, someone asks me: Rabbi, where do you go for inspiration?
Jacob, before his passing, asked that he be buried immediately in Israel. Joseph, however, made a very different request. He asked that his coffin be brought to Israel only when the Jewish people themselves would leave Egypt and return home. During the long and painful years of exile, Joseph chose to remain with his people, even after his passing. The physical presence of Joseph among them served as a source of strength and inspiration, helping them endure the difficult road ahead.
As for me, yes, I study Torah daily and draw inspiration from it. I am inspired by rabbis and teachers, and quite honestly, by the people in our own community who are taking steps forward in their Jewish lives. Seeing enthusiastic growth and sincere commitment in others is deeply inspiring to me.
But above all, a profound source of inspiration for me comes from visiting the resting place of the Rebbe, the ‘Ohel’. The Rebbe, who appreciated the holiness and preciousness of the Land of Israel more than anyone else, nevertheless chose to forgo those spiritual comforts and remain here in the United States. He did so for one reason: so that we would have more access to inspiration and guidance, through prayers at his holy site.
Thousands of people from all walks of life visit the Ohel every day, at all hours. Jews and non-Jews, laypeople and leaders alike. Much like Joseph, who remained with his people to ease their exilic experience, the Rebbe’s Ohel in New York continues to serve as a powerful source of inspiration for me and for countless others.
Many of you have made that visit together with Esty or myself, whether individually or as part of a group. We’re always open to assisting anyone who would like to make a visit, please feel free to reach out.
May we merit very soon the time when we will all return together to the Holy Land. Until then, may we continue to draw strength from our leaders who never leave their people.