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Yaakov Raskin
Jamaica's Rabbi

Tefillin for Those Who Stand with Our Enemies?

Chabad Bochurim Bring Tefillin to an Unexpected Protester. Photo courtesy of Anash.org

Recently, a post by Leibel Wiener caught my attention. He reacted to a video of Chabad students helping a pro-Palestinian Jew put on Tefillin on the streets of Manhattan, even as the individual wore a keffiyeh. Leibel described the act as “disrespectful to the mitzvah,” questioning the appropriateness of engaging with someone whose outward alignment seemed opposed to Jewish values. His reaction reflects a common sentiment—but it also highlights a deeper conversation that Chabad philosophy addresses directly: the value of seeing beyond the surface.

While it’s easy to jump to conclusions, Chabad’s teachings encourage us to look past outward appearances and see the deeper essence within every Jew. This perspective isn’t just a hopeful ideal; it’s a core belief that every Jew, regardless of their actions, retains a pure soul. Sometimes, that soul is covered in layers of misunderstanding or pain, but it is never lost. This is where the power of a mitzvah comes in—it can strip away that dust, revealing the innate purity within.

Before diving into this perspective, it’s important to recognize the deep pain and grief that many are experiencing after Simchat Torah, October 7. The loss of life, the trauma, and the collective mourning have left a wound in the heart of the Jewish community that is still raw and tender. To those who lost loved ones, no words can adequately capture the depth of that loss. We honor their memory and stand with those who continue to feel the weight of their absence every single day.

It’s in this context of deep pain that the teachings of Chabad encourage us to look beyond outward appearances and see the deeper essence within every Jew. This perspective isn’t meant to diminish the anguish felt by those who have suffered; rather, it’s a reminder that every Jew, regardless of their actions, retains a pure soul. Sometimes, that soul is covered in layers of misunderstanding or pain, but it is never lost. This is where the power of a mitzvah comes in—it can strip away that dust, revealing the innate purity within.

A mitzvah, even a simple act like putting on Tefillin, has the power to reconnect a person to their roots, even if they don’t fully grasp the significance at the moment. Tefillin is a profound symbol of binding our thoughts and actions to G-d. It’s like offering a child a choice between a million-dollar check and a handful of pennies—without understanding the value of the check, they might choose the pennies. Similarly, many may not yet see the deeper value of a mitzvah. But even in challenging circumstances, the act itself can awaken something within, planting a seed that might grow over time.

This concept is beautifully illustrated in a story from the Talmud (Tractate Sukkah 56b) about Miriam, the daughter of the priestly family of Bilgah, who lived during the time of the Second Temple. The story recounts a time when Antiochus, king of the Syrian-Greek empire, sought to impose his culture upon all of his subjects, including the Jews. He desecrated the Holy Temple, turning it into a place for pagan worship. The Jewish people faced unimaginable suffering and oppression, forced to choose between conforming to Greek ways or facing death.

Miriam witnessed these horrors and became overwhelmed with despair and bitterness. She abandoned her Jewish faith, married a Greek officer, and even accompanied him when he defiled the Temple. In a moment of deep anger, she struck the altar with her sandal and cried out, “Wolf, wolf! You devour the wealth of the Jewish people, but you do not answer them in their time of need!”

When the Temple was eventually reclaimed, Miriam’s actions brought disgrace upon her family, and the priestly family of Bilgah was penalized for her behavior. But the Talmud’s focus on this story goes beyond the surface. It highlights a profound truth: even in her rebellion, Miriam’s actions revealed a connection to her people and G-d. Her outburst at the altar was a cry of pain—not a rejection of her faith, but a raw expression of how deeply she felt G-d’s perceived absence during that dark time.

The Rebbe’s explanation of this story offers an inspiring message: G-d never abandons any of His children. Miriam may have felt disconnected, but her pain stemmed from a place of deep care for her people. Despite her outward defiance, her bond with G-d and the Jewish people was never truly severed. This story teaches that beneath every person’s exterior, no matter how distant they may seem, lies a soul that yearns to reconnect.

As I watched the video of the Chabad students, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—sadness at the division but also hope in the power of a simple mitzvah to bridge gaps. It reminded me of how, from a young age, I was taught to appreciate the depth in every person, to see their potential even when it’s hidden beneath layers of confusion. It’s a perspective that has shaped my life and work, especially in times like these.

In these days leading up to Yom Kippur, this lesson is especially relevant. The Days of Teshuvah are a time to reflect, return, and reconnect—to see beyond our own biases and recognize the deeper potential in others. A mitzvah like Tefillin has the power to reach the core of the soul, offering a chance to reconnect even when everything else seems lost. It is not just an act; it’s a reminder of the unbroken bond between every Jew and their Creator.

We might see a fellow Jew standing with those whose beliefs oppose ours and feel inclined to dismiss them. But Chabad’s teachings remind us that our job is not to judge, but to uplift. By offering a mitzvah, we give a chance for that inner light to shine through, even if just for a moment. It’s a reminder that, in the eyes of G-d, every soul is precious, every action has meaning, and every person has the potential to return.

For those seeking to delve deeper into this perspective, I highly recommend the book “Veyadata” by Dovid Vigler, which explores the principles of Chabad philosophy in just 30 days. It’s an insightful guide to understanding how Chassidus helps us see the world through a more compassionate and spiritually attuned lens. You can find it here on Amazon.

May we use the perspective of Chassidus to see beneath the surface. Let’s focus on inspiring each other through acts of kindness and mitzvahs, knowing that these moments can awaken the hidden light within every Jew. As Yom Kippur approaches, may G-d seal all His children for a sweet and peaceful year, one where every soul finds its way back home, and may we soon see the day when all darkness is transformed into light with the coming of Moshiach.

About the Author
Rabbi Yaakov Raskin received his rabbinical ordination from the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn, as well as from Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rabbi David Lau and Rabbi Yitzchok Yosef. He has served communities across the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean, teaching Judaism and spreading the Seven Noahide Laws. Since 2014, Rabbi Raskin and his wife Mushkee have directed Chabad of Jamaica, where he now proudly serves as Jamaica’s rabbi. They established Jamaica’s first Jewish Welcome Center, Chabad House, and Mikvah. His write-ups in the Jamaica Gleaner are widely popular.
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