Many of you have asked at one opportunity or another, why Esty and I made our lifetime move to Houston, or what prompted us to leave the comfort of family and community behind in New York and open The Shul of Bellaire?
Well, today is the 19th Yahrtzeit - Day of passing - of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory.
As the leader of world Jewry from 1950 through 1994, the Rebbe met thousands upon thousands of individuals, and inspired each one of them to become just a little closer to his or her Creator, each and every one in their own way. The Rebbe focused on the individual and sought to touch that inner G-dly spark that spurs us to reach great heights. He met with everyone, from the great to the simple - each person was important.
Every Sunday starting from 1986 until he suffered a stroke in 1992, he stood for hours receiving anyone that came for his guidance, blessing and inspiration. When once asked how he can stand on his feet (he was in his late 80’s) for so many hours every week, he replied: "Suppose you were counting diamonds for a very long time, would you get tired? Of course not! When I stand here, I see precious G-dly souls - I do not get tired''.
The Rebbe would meet with Prime Minister Begin or President Shazar about the most important topics facing World Jewry, and then just a few minutes later would advise a simple store-keeper in his work. The Rebbe corresponded with President Reagan or Herman Wouk and then would communicate his blessing to a mother that was sick. The Rebbe is truly our leader.
Even after his passing in 1994, it's fair to say that - through his thousands of students spread all over the world - the Rebbe continues to inspire millions - Jews and non-Jews alike - to bring a little more goodness and kindness into the dark world we live in. His legacy truly lives on!
It was this mission of love for every individual and a vision of a perfected world that inspired our lifetime move to Bellaire (and the same for 3,300 other couples, leading Chabad centers all over the globe.)
At your convenience feel free to peruse this very interesting compilation of people's experiences with the Rebbe (scroll down to Comments): www.jewishbellaire.com/293925. And you can click here for a mine of information to help you learn more about the Rebbe.
May G-d help us that in merit of our collective acts of goodness, we quickly usher in an era of worldwide peace and harmony.