A Masterclass On Love

Who was he? Did anyone really know him?

What motivated him?

How was he able to inspire so many? Both in his lifetime and beyond.

Although I had the privilege of meeting him on many occasions, I could not say that I knew him.

Once as a twelve-year-old boy, I stood next to him as he addressed a large audience, for many hours.

For a few moments, whilst singing, he looked at me. It was as if time stopped. Life itself stood still. I will never forget.

Many people’s lives were transformed by him. But strangely, no one could say that they knew him.

I think about him often. It seems like he is both here and not here at the same time.

Any attempt to describe him or his influence on the world is a futile effort.

Stories about him and the transformative impact he had on so many are legendary.

But we the living must take it to heart. We have no choice.

No doubt the world has forever changed because of him.

In a nutshell, His life was a masterclass on how to love.

Not a strategic love, but a genuine love.

Not just towards one of your own, but to strangers as well.

Not only to someone you like, but in equal measure, to someone you dislike.

His energy was pure and kind and all embracing.

There was no ‘us’ or ‘them.’ There was only one people! Brothers and sisters of one father in heaven.

He had only good things to say about people, for he saw no bad in others.

He was absolutely fearless. He had complete faith and trust in G-d.

He inspired people in times of hardship.

He comforted those who were grieving.

He infused trust in people who were stricken with doubt.

He gave hope to those who had given up on the future.

He inspired a generation to discover its purpose.

He believed that each and every Jew could singlehandedly change the world for good.

If only, by encouraging one more Jew to do one more Mitzvah!

Dedicated to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose birthday we mark on the 11th day of Nissan.