About 30 people attended Chabad's Learning Centre for a very interesting and worthwhile discussion of the book by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, The Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M Shneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi of Modern History."  The talk was led by chair of the program Sid Halpern and co-chair Nancy Pitch. Halpern is a former President of National JNF Canada, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, Manitoba Apparel Manufacturers, Rice Sportswear Group, and former chairman of the Sharon home.

Halpern gave a valuable overview of what he believes is the core of the Rebbe's life message. 

Halpern explained that the Rebbe's formula is a template for success (.i.e. success in life, success in business, and success for a Jewish community.) and by extension it creates happiness. Telushkin's book gives a captivating portrait of the Rabbi Shneerson who turned his movement Chabad-lubavitch into a very dynamic and widespread organization, with some 4000 shlichim around the world.

Halpern said that the "30 second elevator pitch" of the Rebbe's life message is "Ve Ahavta Reacha Kamocha," which means Love thy neighbor as thyself. All the rest is detail.

As Halpern outlined, the Hebrew word "Chabad" stands for Chochma (Wisdom, Knowledge), Beena (Instinct, Insight) and Da'at (Religion)

The focus of the Rebbe's message was to look at the elements of Judaism (i.e. tfillin, kashrut, etc.) as all being part of a "whole plan." 

"All of these elements are important, for achieving our ultimate goal, a happy fulfilling life."

Halpern explained that the Rebbe's message, as Telushkin's book outlines is  "Love of God, love of Torah and Love of one's Fellow Man" will lead to a successful and happy life. This message ought to be spread world-wide.

As Halpern outlined, the Rebbe, who had an engineering degree, was a man emphasized "one on one meetings with people", "connecting with people one on one" and sitting with them face to face", not through Iphones."

The Rebbe made it clear that one couldn't cut oneself off from the community, (Al Teefrosh Meen Hatzibur"). Rather he said, "it is incumbent upon us to build family and community."

Halpern then gave an overview of the ten key components of Judaism and other core components which are important for having a happy successful life and noted that of course, "the "Rebbe led by example."

1    TFILLIN

2    THE SHABBAT CANDLE- lighting Shabbat candles is an important mitzvah and can lead to a person doing other mitzvot

3    CHINUCH – JEWISH EDUCATION

4    KASHRUT

5    TZEDAKA- JUSTICE NOT CHARITY

6    MEZUZA – SHADAI which means "Shomer Daltot Israel" (Halpern noted that according to the Rebbe  putting a mezuzah on one's doorpost makes you feel more protected and confident)

7     FAMILY PURITY

    
8    TORAH STUDY

9    TORAH BOOKS – THE TALMUD 36 VOLUMES-Having a library in your home is important

10    AHAVAT YISRAEL – Halpern explained that the Rebbe taught that Love of all Jews supersedes all other mitzvot. This was evidenced by the story the Rebbe would tell about a Rebbe who left the synagogue in the middle of prayer during Yom Kippur in order to chop wood and cook for a woman who had just given birth and was left all alone as the others in her family went to pray. It was more important to be with her and provide for her needs.

Halpern then gave an overview of other additional important messages from the Rebbe that are key ingredients to a successful life.

11. CREATE LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS-"The Rebbe created leaders, not followers," Halpern said. In the discussion, it was noted that he did not specifically appoint an heir apparent to be the leader after him. He wanted a leader to arise without being chosen.

12. BE OPTIMISTIC-Another one of the Rebbe's powerful messages was the importance of exuding optimism." As examples of this, Halpern noted that the Rebbe changed the phrase "deadline" to due date," taking out the word death. He also changed the word in Hebrew for hospital from "Beit Cholim" (House of the Sick) to "Beit Refua" (a Healing House"). Halpern noted that having a positive optimistic outlook is necessary for a business to be successful. 

13. STRONG WORK ETHIC- Halpern noted that the Rebbe would often work long hours into the night

14. EXPRESS DISAGREEMENT WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE- Halpern noted that the Rebbe never focused on personalities, or made disagreements be personal. If he disagreed with something, it wasn't based on personalities but on issues. The core of Judaism as expressed in the Talmud is made up of disagreements and different interpretations.
       

15.   BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE – Halpern noted that for the Rebbe, A Jew was a Jew, and he disliked denominational descriptions.

16.   URGENCY- The Rebbe believed that "ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING NOW," Halpern stressed. There was no point in procrastination. 

17.   LOVE AND MARRIAGE –The Rebbe taught that when it came to choosing a spouse for life, a person should listen to their heart over their intellect.  "It's about chemistry," Halpern noted. 

18.    BE GRATEFUL ALWAYS - "GAM ZU LETOIVA"-The Rebbe taught that we need to remember to be grateful always, even through tragic periods of our lives, Halpern said. "This too will pass."

 
19.    PRACTISE HONESTY AND A LIFE OF INTEGRITY-

20.    NEVER BE JUDGEMENTAL, ESPECIALLY TO NON OBSERVANCE

21.    ENCOURAGE RESPECT AND ENGAGEMENT OF WOMEN

22.    A WISE PERSON LEARNS FROM OTHERS.