SYRACUSE JEWISH COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL RABBI IN MODERN HISTORY
Community Gathering to Mark 21st Anniversary of Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Passing
On Thursday Evening, June 18, Syracuse and Central NY will be joining thousands of communities worldwide in marking the 21st anniversary of the passing of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, which occurs on June 20 of this year. The event is titled "One Hour With The Rebbe" and will take place at the Chabad House, 825 Ostrom Ave. Syracuse, NY 13210
Described as the most influential rabbi in modern history, the Rebbe’s pioneering efforts to reach out lovingly to every Jew and connect them with their Jewish heritage have touched millions of lives and forever transformed the landscape of Jewish life. His teachings about the inherent goodness of all mankind, and the infinite potential of every individual and each good deed, galvanized countless far and wide, and are increasingly studied.
In addition to his unparalleled role in the Jewish community as both a preeminent scholar and leader, the Rebbe was the only rabbi ever to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, and to have an American national day, Education and Sharing Day, proclaimed in his honor.
In keeping with the Rebbe’s lifetime goals and teachings, hundreds of thousands are redoubling their efforts at personal prayer, study and acts of loving kindness in preparation for the special date, as well as increasing their personal and communal efforts to encourage others to do the same. In Syracuse many have undertaken an array of personal and communal activities in the Rebbe’s honor. Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport is asking members of the Syracuse Community who have not yet become part of this massive campaign to join now by just adding one good deed or prayer to their daily life. Additionally, many tens of thousands will visit his resting place in Queens, N.Y. during the anniversary, bearing the personal prayers of millions.
Throughout his lifetime the Rebbe was remarkably accessible, and counseled countless individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, including statesmen and artists as diverse as Ronald Reagan, Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Elie Wiesel, and Bob Dylan, as well as countless “nameless” individuals who were each showered with his individual attention and love.
The Rebbes influence is felt in Syracuse and Central NY , through the thousands who have been influenced by Chabad Lubavitch both in the community and on the campuses of SU and SUNY Oswego" said Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of CNY and Rabbi of the Chabad House at SU. ”
New information about the Rebbe’s early life and about his subsequent global impact has been steadily emerging, via an oral history project and much dogged historical pursuit and sleuthing. Additionaly, books released in recent years like New York Times' best seller “Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History” by Joseph Telushkin and "My Rebbe" by Rabbi Adin Even Israel Steinsaltz have generated renewed interest in the Rebbe's global impact on world Jewry.
Rabbi Yaakov and Chanie Rapoport will be traveling to the Rebbe’s resting place in Queens, N.Y. on Friday June 19 to pray and draw inspiration . As in previous years anyone who wishes to send their name and mothers name to be mentioned in prayer at this Holy Site can do so by e mailing Rabbi Rapoport at [email protected].
For more informationcall Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport (315) 727-0973or visit online at chabadsyracuse.com.