Have you ever seen so many rabbis together? Last Sunday, nearly 2,500 rabbis and 1,500 secular community leaders gathered in New Jersey, USA, for a conference that concluded with a gala dinner.
Hundreds of Jewish communities from 72 countries around the world (including La Plata) were represented at this event, from which several conclusions and lessons can be drawn:
1) Strengthening Judaism worldwide is everyone's responsibility. That is, it is not solely the responsibility of the community's rabbi, but of each and every member, each according to their level and ability. A combined effort is necessary to achieve these goals, with everyone contributing their personal strength to the whole.
2) Community growth is only possible when there is a solid foundation of connection with God, His Torah, and His Mitzvot. Just as a building stands on its foundations, Judaism stands on that which is eternal and solid. Any other foundation (tradition, history, name) can serve as an addition, but not as a foundation in itself.
3) Jewish values must be lived and practiced; it is not enough to talk about them and study them. They must be lived every day, at school, on the street, and at home. A person's entire life is permeated with Jewish values. In other words, Judaism is not a part-time job where one has another life and also practices this or that ancient Jewish tradition, but rather a full-time job—living Jewishly in all times and places in the world.
4) No Jewish leader cares for each and every Jew in the world like the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory. Generally, every leader is concerned with the well-being of their particular community. The Rebbe sent shluchim—messengers—to all parts of the world, from the most Jewish-populated places like the United States, France, Israel, and Argentina, to the most remote and unusual places like China, Thailand, and the Congo. All are important.