Advice for Life: A Surprise Encounter
The two young men standing on my front porch wore identical clothing: black slacks and white dress shirt. Alerted by the ring of the doorbell, I approached them with a bit of caution. With the exception of UPS, Amazon, etc., it’s rare to have strangers come to our doors. A closer look suggested they were either Mormon or Chabad-Lubavitch representatives.
Less than ten seconds into our conversation, it was clear they were Chabad. They were knocking on doors with a mezuzah to share information about a six-session class at the local Chabad.
While I have encountered Chabad on a number of occasions, including some discussions with Chabad rabbis, I never seriously studied their ideas. While aware of our differences, I have also appreciated the joy they find in Judaism and that they have inspired many to lead more active Jewish lives.
I enrolled. The class is being taught by a young and enthusiastic Chabad rabbi.
The class, titled “Advice for Life” is based on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson z”l—who is known as the Rebbe. He led the Chabad Lubavitch movement from 1950 until his death in 1994 and was among the most influential rabbis of the 20th Century. He launched the “Chabad House” which we find throughout the world.
In the next three days, I look forward to sharing some of the Rebbe’s perspectives on work, family life, and spiritual growth which I found illuminating and, at times, pleasantly surprising.
—Rabbi David Woznica