by M. G.
We are visiting here from Israel, taking some time to tour NYS (where we have family), enjoying a getaway road trip through upstate NY in the beautiful foliage season, and here we are for Shabbat at Chabad in Albany NY. Two things came to mind this Shabbat, experiencing it here with the students, that reminded me of my IDF service.
ONCE YOU’RE IN UNIFORM…
Soldiers in the IDF come from many different walks of life: All types of socio-economic levels are all represented, even different religions, different levels of religious observance, and many stripes of political persuasion from nearly every political party. And in the Miluyim/Reserves, it is even more so! There all ages are represented, people who are single and who are married, with many children, with none, from all types of careers and living situations. But there’s a sentiment in the army that once you are called up, once you suit up in uniform – then all those differences melt away. You are all here for the same reason and purpose, you are all on the same mission. The size of your bank account or where you work, how often you pray, or even whom you pray to – once you suit up and you are in uniform, there’s a certain sameness, a certain unity, where nothing else matters.
I felt the same sense here at Shabbos House-Chabad. There was a big varied crowd here Friday night, and obviously many backgrounds, religious levels, different majors and styles and interests and where people come from. But once you walk in those doors, there’s a strong sense of unity and belonging, a feeling of welcoming acceptance and an embracing community, despite whatever personal differences. The differences are largely left at the door.
SEEKING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
These past two years, my job was related to finding and tracking the hostages best we could. It was a very difficult two years. But the goal was to try to pinpoint, to seek out, even the smallest traces, the precious light within the darkness.
I see how Chabad does the same (in a different way/context). Not to compare your situation here with terrorists and you are certainly not hostage, but in the sense of Chabad seeking to find the inner hidden deepest good inside each person, the positivity over negativity, the precious pure spark of G-dliness within. They go all out (as we do) with everything in their power and every tool at their disposal, devoting night and day to find these sparks and to help them come home.
Thank you for hosting us for Shabbat along our trip!