"No taxation without representation"
The slogan "No taxation without representation" was first adopted during the American Revolution by American colonists under British rule. They believed that if they were not represented within the government of the ruling empire or nation, then they had no right to be taxed.
As we commemorate America's Independence Day, the 4th of July, we express our gratitude to the founding fathers of this great country while reflecting on our country's mission statement and the values of religious liberties and moral ethics that helped shape our society into one that has been so hospitable to Jewish people and members of all faiths.
As stated in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
In fact, since the democratization of Western civilization, the power of leadership and influence has shifted considerably from exclusive domains such as autocratic regimes, monarchy, magnates, and academic elites to the hands of everyday individuals.
In an age when everyone can be an influencer and leader, what qualities must a leader possess and cultivate to make a positive impact?
In this week's Torah portion, Korach, we learn about Korach's attempted rebellion against Moses and Aaron and his ultimate failure. Korach, a relative of Moses and Aaron, challenged their leadership by saying, “You take too much upon yourselves, for the entire congregation are all holy, and the Lord is in their midst. So why do you raise yourselves above the Lord's assembly (Numbers 16:3)?”
Seemingly, Korach's complaint is legitimate. Since the people are all holy and each possesses a spark of G‑dliness, why should one person be elevated above everyone else? Why then did G‑d support the leadership of Moses and Aaron?
The resolution to these questions depends on our understanding of the dynamics of leadership. Certainly, the entire nation was holy and good, but to express that holiness, the people needed to be motivated and inspired. That requires a leader like Moses, who is devoid of ego and endowed with a soul connected to every Jew of the generation.
While power is a means of control, influence empowers others. A great leader is characterized by their care for each individual and their ability to influence constituents to realize their potential for the greater good.
On the evening of March 7th, 1960, a group of Jewish college students affiliated with Hillel gathered in the Rebbe's room for a private audience. During the audience, one of the students asked the Rebbe, "What is the function of a Rebbe?"
The Rebbe responded that we can understand it through a simile: an electric powerhouse with a lamp connected to it by a wire. To light the lamp, one must find and press the correct switch or button. Similarly, the soul of every Jew is part of G‑d, but to benefit from this connection, the right switch must be found and activated.
The Rebbe's mission is to explain that every Jew is connected to "the powerhouse," and each has a switch in their essence that can be found. In our efforts to strengthen Judaism, we must strive to find this switch in every Jew, knowing that one word or action can unlock the wellspring of their soul.
More importantly, leadership is not limited to a select few. In our homes, workplaces, and social environments, we all serve as leaders. When entrusted with such a role, we should emulate the selfless dedication shown by Moses and empower our co-workers, employees, relatives, friends, and community members to express their inherent good qualities and activate them daily.
The Zohar, the foundational work of Kabbalah, explains that in every generation, there is a manifestation of Moses whose role is to teach, lead, inspire, and empower every individual to connect with G-d and express their inner identity and purpose.
This coming week, July 9, the Third of Tammuz, we commemorate the 30th Yahrtzeit of the Rebbe. The Talmud relates, "Our forefather Jacob did not die." It explains, "Just as his children are alive, so too he is alive (Taanit 5b)." The same is true of the Rebbe.
The Rebbe revolutionized the post-Holocaust Jewish world, leading a revival of Jewish connection, performance of mitzvot, and Torah study imbued with joy, meaning, and relevance in the modern world. The Rebbe also inspired people of all faiths to lead good, moral lives by observing the Seven Noahide Laws given by G-d to all mankind.
The enduring impact of the Rebbe's inspiration and teachings is evidenced by the vast network of over 5000 Chabad emissaries in more than one hundred countries. They continue to positively influence millions of Jews and billions of non-Jews worldwide.
Whether facilitating a backpacker's attendance at a Shabbat dinner in Thailand, providing physical and spiritual support for IDF soldiers, giving a meaningful and joyful Jewish education for youth, or enabling professionals to enhance their career with Jewish values and connection, the Rebbe's emissaries are at the forefront of transforming world Jewry.
The Rebbe's teachings and mission empower each of us, regardless of our level of observance and background, to use our influence, talents, and resources to strengthen our connection with our Jewish heritage and increase in the performance of Mitzvot and acts of goodness and kindness while encouraging our family and friends to do the same. Together, we will usher in an era of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth.
Although Korach's approach was flawed, his message of promoting equal opportunity carries a positive lesson. Judaism teaches us that true unity comes through recognizing the inherent diversity within creation and embracing the different roles we each play in the world.
Indeed, in the Messianic era, Korach's declaration that "The entire nation is holy and G‑d is within them" will be realized. The true holiness and beauty of each individual will be manifest. We prepare for that era by expressing the inner goodness we already possess and by sharing it with others.
After millennia of perfecting the world and preparing for the Messianic era, let us complete our mission and usher in a time of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth.
In 1991, a CNN reporter asked the Rebbe, "What is your message to the world about Moshiach?" The Rebbe responded, "Moshiach is ready to come now; we all must only do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness."
