Running a Chabad House like Harford Chabad is a labor of love. It can also be stressful, with many moving parts to juggle.
Our forefather Abraham was the first person in the world to open a Chabad House (an organization to promote spreading the belief in Hashem and the proper behavior that follows from that belief). As the verse says, “Abraham opened an inn in Beersheba. There, he proclaimed the name of G-d, G-d of the Universe.”
Abraham’s success was not that everyone who came through his doors became “orthodox” or “Torah observant.” Abraham’s success was that he created a community of people who believed in 1 G-d.
He had four types of community members:
The inspired, the students, the minyanaires, and the community shluchim.
- The inspired are the people I call “the coffee and beer community members.” They enjoy hanging out and are inspired to live more G-dly merely by basking in Abraham’s warmth and passionate love for G-d. They realized he was speaking the truth and were inspired despite not necessarily being able to follow everything he taught.
- Abraham’s students studied Torah under his tutelage. Their involvement was through adult education classes given by Abraham or Sarah (the first ones to lead Torah Studies and Torah and Tea classes:)).
- The Minyanaires prayed because of their newfound appreciation of G-d's greatness. They began to pray and praise Hashem themselves.
- The Shluchim became community leaders. Not only understanding but also sharing their inspiration with others. They expanded Abraham's influence upon the world, opening mini centers of inspiration and inviting people into their homes to celebrate their Judaism.
It’s important to pay homage to the OG Shliach, the first Jew, Abraham. In addition, this resonates very much with me as I’ve met all four types living right here in Harford County. Knowing that Abraham lived within a community similar to ours, we can take an example from him and bring much G-dliness into this world by lighting up our little corner.
Which group or groups do you think you fit into? How can you add more G-dly light into your home, neighborhood, or community?
Have a good shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman