Always Happy - Never Satisfied

Perhaps the most powerful paradox and most relevant to us is the way the Rebbe treasured every small effort. Not one Mitzvah was insignificant. And yet, no matter how much one accomplished, the Rebbe did not let us rest on our laurels; he was never satisfied and wanted us to never be satisfied.

The Rebbe’s philosophy of Mitzvos, based on the Talmud and Rambam, is that one Mitzvah can save the entire world. The Rebbe once cited the example of Yoseph Hatzadik who saw his fellow prisoners showing signs of depression and he cared to ask them what was bothering them. He then successfully interpreted their dreams. Later, when Pharaoh had his fateful dream that portended the terrible famine to engulf the world, Yoseph was the one who saved the day.

Had Yoseph not made the small gesture of asking the prisoners why they were depressed, Pharaoh would never have his dream interpreted and the world would have perished in the famine for which no one would have prepared. One small deed, literally, saved the world.

Yet, the Rebbe was never satisfied with even the greatest accomplishments.

Rabbi Shmuel Pesach Bogomilsky, a shliach in Maplewood New Jersy, traveled to a Caribbean island, gathered all the Jews and provided them with a very successful inspirational experience. In his report to the Rebbe, he mentioned that he had put on Tefillin with every single Jewish man who lived on that island, except for one who was out of the country at the time.

The Rebbe’s response was: “When are you going to meet that one person and put on Tefillin with him…” ■