Mission Statement

Yud Shevat (the tenth of the Hebrew month of Shvat), which this year falls out this Shabbat, is the anniversary of the passing of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. On the day of the passing of a righteous man, “all his effort... for which he toiled throughout his lifetime... becomes revealed and radiates downward.” As such, it is a time to focus on the spiritual message of the Previous Rebbe’s life, and his unbounded commitment to preserve and advance Jewish practice.

For Chassidim today, however, the primary significance of Yud Shvat is that it is the day on which the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, accepted the reigns of leadership of the movement. 74 years ago, at the gathering celebrating his acceptance of this position, the Rebbe stated clearly: “Chabad always put the emphasis on individual initiative, not on relying on the Rebbeim.... I will help, indeed, help as much as I can... but of what avail will it be… if there will no effort and initiative on your part.”

At that same gathering, the Rebbe clearly outlined his goals for our generation: “We are at the close of the period when the approaching footsteps of Mashiach can be heard. Our task is to complete the process of drawing down the Divine presence... so that it can rest in our lowly world.”

The Rebbe taught us to take responsibility for our lives and to direct our efforts to the ultimate good, the coming of the Redemption. Each one of us has a part to play in making the Redemption a reality. The anniversary of the Rebbe’s acceptance of leadership is a time to renew our commitment to this mission and take the initiative.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time in NYC: 5:30 PM