This Thursday is the anniversary of the passing of the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, of blessed memory.
One of the ideas behind a yortzait—a death anniversary—is that all the spiritual work the person performed throughout their life gains new strength and is revealed on earth on that day. This is in addition to the soul's elevation year after year, and in addition to the overall impact the soul has on the world.
Our sages say in the Ethics of Our Fathers that a wise person is someone who learns from all human beings (to such an extent that Reb Zusia of Anipoli used to say that there are seven things to learn from a thief: 1) his quickness to work, 2) confidence in success, 3) persistence, if he failed once, he tries again, 4) his discretion, 5) he puts himself in danger, 6) the smallest thing is important, and 7) he works with great effort). Therefore, of course, despite not having had a direct relationship with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, we can (and therefore should) learn something for our daily lives.
One of the pillars of his service to God was sacrifice for Judaism. Many stories are told about how, on many occasions, he risked his own life to carry out something related to Judaism, such as baking matzah for Passover or celebrating a Jewish wedding.
In his time, in Stalinist communist Russia, Torah observance was directly linked to sacrificing one's life. If one was found practicing Judaism or supporting its practice in any way, one could be sent to Siberia for decades or, as happened to the Rebbe's own father, to places as inhospitable as Alma-Ata in Kazakhstan.
Today (thank God), Torah observance is no longer tied to sacrificing one's life. We generally live in a free world where, aside from the occasional strange look on the street or an ignorant person shouting something from a passing car, there is no impediment to living according to the Torah's commandments.
So, how do we apply Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's sacrifice to our lives today? This sacrifice is expressed in the attitude and approach a person has toward the Torah and its mitzvot. The sacrifice is living in this world, but thinking of another world. As the Alter Rebbe used to say, "That which is forbidden [by the Torah] is forbidden; that which is permitted, who needs it?" In clearer, more practical terms, for example, has it ever occurred to you that you could give more tzedakah than you already give (or begin to give)?
We must know that our history includes thousands of years (literally!) of sacrifice and devotion to the principles and laws that connect and unite us to God. It is required of us to continue, each at our own level and in our own circumstances, on this path of sacrifice, to reach the Final Redemption with our righteous Messiah, who will come swiftly in our days.