Blogger: Chaplain DOV Cohen

Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi [Read his Jewel HERE] is widely recognized as one of the world’s most important spiritual teachers; he is the “Father” of Jewish Renewal, who, along with Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, influenced all modern Jewish movements.  He is considered to be one of the most phenomenal Jewish personalities of modern times; if you meet him, you will see that is not an exaggeration.  In his recent writing about coming into the “December” of his life, he reminds us just how fortunate we are if and when we have done all we were capable of doing to help repair the world, Tikkun Olam.  He further comments on the sunshine in his life, the sunshine he brightly shines on all of us with his wisdom and enthusiasm.  It is incumbent on each of us to look up into that sunshine and bask in its warmth, for we can be the warmth to others, we can light their paths, and we can achieve greatness for those whom we touch by our mitzvot.

There’s more:  Upon the death of Chabad revered leader Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (who had followed Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson in 1950) his son-in-law, Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, was elevated in 1994 to that leadership position; it is reported that Reb Zalman approached the new Chabad leader and asked if he could channel the Holy Rev’s spirit, a most unusual request, but not entirely forbidden.

Rev Krinsky replied, “if Rev Schneerson comes back from the beyond, he wouldn’t need tables to be raised” (referring to séances forbidden by Jewish teachings.)  This tale was shared by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin at his September 7th, 2012, Kabbalat Shabbat at the Synagogue for the Performing Arts.  And so, the honored position of Rev Zalman continues; we are all so very appreciative that he brings such magnificence to our Jewish lives.

 

Chaplain DOV Cohen,
SHIR HaSHIRIM, Bel Air, California