As History Unfolds – Where Are You?

My father often repeated this quote: “A wise man’s question is half the answer.” In other words, the key to getting the right answer lies in asking the right question.

Against the backdrop of the Israel-Iran war and the constant existential threat facing our people in the Land of Israel, what question should we be asking ourselves?

A particular verse in the Bible comes to mind. When two and a half tribes sought to remain on the other side of the Jordan, choosing not to cross over and fight alongside their fellow Israelites, Moses responded sharply: “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?” (Numbers 32:6).

There is a subtle yet profound danger in living our lives vicariously – watching from a distance as history unfolds in real time.

Each day, we read about the sacrifices made by thousands of young men and women on the front lines, risking everything to defend our country. Each night, we witness our brothers and sisters bracing for the next siren, waiting for that sudden moment when they must run to shelters to avoid injury – or worse.

Yes, we care. We shed a tear, offer some financial support – but for the most part, we remain spectators.

It was in response to this fundamental question that the Lubavitcher Rebbe issued his universal call to our generation.

In a world of over eight billion people – where history unfolds before our eyes in real time – it is all too easy to fall into the trap of indifference, helplessness, or living life vicariously.

Echoing King Solomon’s words – “He has placed the world in the heart of man” – the Rebbe challenged each individual to see themselves as the center of the universe and a vital catalyst in the unfolding story of humanity.

Quoting Maimonides, he encouraged all of humanity to view themselves – and the entire world – as perfectly balanced between good and bad, and to recognize that a single positive word or action could be the tipping point that shifts the scale.

He believed deeply in the power of the individual to change the world – instilling in the hearts and minds of thousands the conviction to elevate their lives accordingly.

He also believed the time had come for the Jewish people to believe in themselves. With genuine conviction, we can shift the course of history—no longer living as victims or relying on the goodwill of other nations.

Instead of playing defense, we take control of the game. Instead of reacting to events and narratives, we seize the initiative. We move beyond the mindset of merely surviving to fight another day—we aim to win decisively. As Douglas Murray put it: “When putting out a fire, you don’t stop at 90%.”

As Jews, we believe that G-d is the ultimate arbiter in the unfolding of human history – something we’ve seen borne out over more than 3,000 years. As Ben-Gurion famously said, “In order to be a realist in Israel, you must believe in miracles.”

It’s up to each of us to shift our mindset – to live and act with pride, conviction, and dignity.

We must stop fearing victory. We should not be afraid to win.

Dedicated to the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM, whose passing we commemorate this Sunday- may his vision continue to inspire and guide us.