Standing amidst the ancient ruins of Rome, the Arch of Titus, a powerful symbol of Jewish history, stirred a deep sense of reflection within me. I couldn’t help but feel a poignant mix of sorrow and pride as I gazed upon the carvings depicting the Roman triumph over Jerusalem, a painful reminder of the destruction of our holy Temple.
The Arch of Titus, a monument to Roman victory, stands as a stark reminder of the suffering our ancestors endured. Its intricate carvings portray the Jewish people, vanquished and enslaved, forced to carry the Menorah, a symbol of our faith, back to Rome. The inscription on the arch boasts of the capture of Judea and the destruction of the Temple, a stark testament to the devastating impact of Roman power.
Yet, despite the brutal history etched into the very stones of this ancient monument, the Jewish people have persevered. We have risen from the ashes, returning to our homeland and reclaiming our heritage. The Roman Empire, once a formidable power, has crumbled into the dust of time, its glory reduced to a mere footnote in history.
The Rebbe’s Legacy: A Light in the Darkness
This poignant reflection on the resilience of the Jewish people took on a deeper meaning as I remembered the 30th yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe, a beacon of light and hope for Jewish life, devoted his entire life to spreading the warmth and beauty of Judaism across the globe. His tireless work, his profound teachings, and his countless emissaries have ignited a global resurgence of Jewish pride and practice.
Just as Thomas Edison illuminated the world with the invention of the light bulb, the Rebbe, in his own way, set the world ablaze with the flames of Jewish spirit. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of countless individuals, inspiring us to embrace our heritage and to contribute to the betterment of the world.
A Meeting at the Arch: An Act of Jewish Unity
As I stood at the Arch of Titus, a young Israeli soldier in training named Oren, also visiting the site, caught my eye. Oren, eager to connect with his heritage before enlisting in the Israeli Defense Forces, had come to Italy with his family for inspiration.
By a remarkable twist of fate, known as “hashgacha pratit” in Hebrew, our paths crossed at the Arch of Titus. This chance encounter brought us together, two Jews united in a moment of shared heritage and religious practice. In that very place where our ancestors were once humiliated, we stood together, embracing the tradition of putting on tefillin, a symbol of Jewish identity and commitment.
This simple act of Jewish unity, a mitzvah performed within sight of the arch, encapsulates the essence of the Rebbe’s message. He believed that each individual has the power to make a difference, to bring light into the world through acts of kindness and Jewish pride.
One Act of Kindness: A Beacon of Hope
The Rebbe understood the power of small, seemingly insignificant acts. He taught that every mitzvah, every act of kindness, has the power to change the world. Whether it’s lighting Shabbat candles, giving a coin to charity, or simply saying a prayer, these small acts of faith create a ripple effect of positive change.
Oren, the young soldier, will forever remember this moment of Jewish pride. This experience, shared in the shadow of the Arch of Titus, will serve as a source of strength and inspiration as he embarks on his journey in the Israeli Defense Forces.
The Rebbe’s legacy lives on in these moments of connection, of shared faith, of acts of kindness. His teachings remind us that we are all connected, that each one of us has the power to illuminate the world with our actions.
On this day, the 3rd of Tammuz, let us honor the Rebbe’s memory by committing to one act of kindness, one small act of Jewish pride. By embracing the teachings of the Rebbe, we can carry forward his message of unity, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Remember, as the Rebbe would say, “In a room of perfect darkness, the precious light of a single candle will be seen from afar by everyone.” Let us be that candle, illuminating the world with our actions, our faith, and our commitment to making the world a better place.
