Those of you who know our family are aware of how central a role storytelling plays in how we communicate. This is not just a family thing; it is a Chabad thing.
A story that has always left a strong impression on me is about the fourth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Maharash, who spent an extended period traveling for the purpose of medical consultations and treatment. Along the way between Austria and Russia he made a habit of visiting various Chassidic congregations.
Once he was in a Tolna Shteibel (a Polish Chassidic group), and he noticed frenzied activity. Upon inquiring, he was told that their Rebbe was coming for a visit, and the Chassidim were sprucing up the Shul in honor of the revered guest. They refused to hire workers because they wanted the privilege of preparing for the honored visitor by their own efforts.
He observed that most of the work was being done by the older Chassidim while the younger Chassidim were standing on the sidelines begging for a turn to help. Upon inquiring, it was explained that the older Chassidim wanted the privilege of preparing the Shul for their Rebbe’s visit, and since they had seniority, they kept the privilege for themselves.
The Rebbe Maharash later commented to his son, “If they were Chabad Chassidim, the older Chassidim would have allowed the younger Chassidim to participate in the preparations, even though it would diminish their own privilege. Chassidus teaches one to help another even at the sacrifice of one’s own (spiritual) benefit.
This principle is derived in Chabad teachings from the example of Avraham. His entire life was devoted to helping others, even to his own detriment. He set up a hotel in the desert so that he could feed and influence wayfarers, even though it took time away from his own spiritual growth. He went to war against four mighty kings, at great risk to his wellbeing, just to save his nephew, who was hardly deserving of his attention. He argued with G-d, yes G-d, on behalf of the inhabitants of Sodom, an unworthy bunch for sure.
This principle of selflessness, Avraham bequeathed to us, his descendants, the Jewish people. From him we learn to not only do something for someone else at our own expense, but also to do with great joy and enthusiasm. We must develop a “geshmak” – a pleasure in helping others with mesirus nefesh, self-sacrifice.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin