What I told 3,000 Rabbis Last Night
Motti Wilhelm
Rabbi and Executive Director at Chabad Center for Jewish Life - SW Portland
Last night, I was honored to chair the opening session of this year’s International Conference of Chabad Shluchim.
Speaking to 3,000 Rabbis is both a challenge and an honor. I’d like to share with you my closing remarks (only slightly edited), which I hope you will enjoy.
****
One Jew at a time. One Mitzvah at a time.
Because every Mitzvah counts.
Tonight, as we mark 50 years of the Mitzvah Campaigns, during a time when our people are fighting the longest war in modern history… as hostages languish in captivity… and as we sit during the Shiva of Rabbi Zvi Kogan…
The Rebbe’s Army gathers to recommit—to recommit ourselves to realize our matara—to prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach.
We will intensify our Mitzvah Campaigns and recommit to our "battle plans."
Whether in Israel or Argentina, new Shliach or veteran Shliach..
Some communities may be ready for a Mitzvah tank, for some Shluchim it might mean a monthly Tefillin club. One Mitzvah.
Not every community can host a Rimon Market, but most can do a Kosher walkthrough in Trader Joe's. One Mitzvah.
Encourage our JLI students to purchase a Chumash. One Mitzvah.
Arrange a tour of a nearby Mikvah. One Mitzvah.
A one-week day camp. One Mitzvah.
A weekly Torah WhatsApp broadcast. One Mitzvah.
Find one Neighbor to gift a Mezuzah. One Mitzvah.
As Maimonides writes:
A person should always look at the world as hanging in equal balance. If he performs one mitzvah, he tips the balance and brings deliverance and salvation to himself and others. Amen!