Eye on the Prize

BH

(This Dvar Torah is dedicated to the everlasting memories of the “Mumbai Kedoshim”, whose Yahrtzeits were this past week, Rabbi Gavriel Noach and Rivkah Hltzberg, HY”D, the founders and directors of Chabad of Mumbai, India who lost their lives while faithfully manning their posts, and in honor of their son Moishele who was miraculously saved from the carnage and just celebrated his fourth birthday. This Dvar Torah is also dedicated to the complete and speedy recovery of Virginia Shliach (Chabad Emissary) Rabbi Levi Yitzchok ben Tzirel.)

In this week’s Parsha, Vayeitzei, Esav (Esau) is still angered at the fact that Yaakov (Jacob) ‘stole’ his birthright and blessing. Yaakov travels to the home of his uncleLavan (Laban) to take cover from Esav’s wrath.

Charan is not a place like any Yaakov had been before. Charan was a rough place to say the least. It was hectic. It was dirty. It was corrupt. Adding more fuel to the fire was the fact that Yaakov was living with his uncle Lavan. Lavan made John Gotti look like a saint.

However, the midrash teaches us that Yaakov spent his time in Charan in happiness, singing Psalms and always rejoicing.

How can that make sense? Yaakov was a holy person. Torah and G-dliness always surrounded him. Now, he’s surrounded by a Vegas like atmosphere with a New Yorker’s mentality.

Well, our forefather, Yaakov, albeit living in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory, knew that the end game was going to be rewarding. He knew, simply, that he was inCharan for a reason and that soon, when the right time came, he would “return home”. He refused to let himself be depressed because of now and instead focused on the future.

Not that Charan was easy for Yaakov. I mean, for him to simply be able to marry someone, the girl’s father (his uncle, Lavan) required him to work seven years. And he did that TWICE (for two sisters)! Plus, Yaakov labored another seven for cattle from his uncle.

The difficulties were there. The hardships were prevalent. Considering that, Yaakov still did not allow himself to cave during challenging moments. He knew he was here for a reason and that the light at the end of the tunnel was not New Jersey!

This past week, Chabad-Lubavitch Worldwide celebrated the annual Kinus HaShluchim HaOlami – the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries. Nearly 4000 Chabad Rabbis converged on Brooklyn New York to chart their plans for the coming year and pay tribute to their leader, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of saintly memory.

Hundreds and hundreds of Shluchim (emissaries) who are posted in isolated and often distant communities around the globe all came together as one. Many of them face foreign languages. Foreign cultures. And some places are down-right dangerous. They live in the trenches. Self-sacrifice on so many levels. Soldiers on the front line.

All of the Shluchim face challeneges and hardship. How will we provide our children a proper Jewish education? Where is the nearest Mikveh? Can I get kosher meat and milk? What about a Minyan? The list of challenges doesn’t end. Yet, speak to the Shluchim and you will learn one thing in common amongst them all: They are happy.

The Shluchim all know there is a reason for them being where they are. The Rebbe sent them there to help the world reach the next step. The reward that they work towards. The vision of the Rebbe was to have Shluchim stationed in every corner of the globe. The Rebbe wanted them to fulfill their work with joy. And the most important thing the Rebbe wanted was for the Shluchim to never lose sight of the real mission, the hastening of the arrival of Moshiach.

How were the Shluchim to hasten Moshiach’s arrival? Through spreading Yiddishkeit – Judaism – to Jewish people everywhere! Teffilin. Shabbat Candles. Family Purity. Jewish Education. And the list goes on. Through our sharing these beautiful Mitzvot with others, G-d will surely send the ultimate reward.