The Rebbe's Medal
World Chassidic Leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Lubavitcher Rebbe, will receive Congressional Gold Medal from President Clinton early August.
Ever since creation there have been religions that claimed to redeem mankind. Since people are different there are many religions to fit the needs of each and every person. Some religions feel more superior than others.
The founders of religions have always agreed on one important fact. We all come from one Father, Noah, and we are all considered the children of Noah. Therefore we have some intrinsic similarities.
The many nations, consisting of different races, colors and creeds, all point to how fragmented a people we are. Each of us are different and the differences are pronounced. In truth we look very far from being children of the same father.
Wouldn't it be great if we could find a religious leader interested in helping the world without upsetting other religious leaders; some great personality granting and giving each religion it's rightful respect nor imposing any change or restrictions? Can there be such a religious leader? Has there ever been such a leader in the past generation?
A spiritual person with altruistic qualities and love for all mankind is rare occurrence. And if indeed, there was such a leader, how would you find him and give him the recognition?
Strangely enough, such a leader was found and recently this leader was honored by a gathering led by religious leaders, noble prize winners and congressman of the United States of America. This gathering honored the life-time work of a great rabbi. The ceremony was not held in a church, temple, nor synagogue but in a totally secular environment. It was at the Russel Senate Building, a place where the separation of church and state is practiced.
Religious and secular leaders came together in a most harmonious fashion. A ceremony bridged the gap of separation of church and state.
World leaders, rabbis and laymen from 43 states and 22 countries gathered at the White House to give recognition to the world famous Chassidic rabbi who died a year ago. The rabbi is known affectionately as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor!
Who is this rabbi and why is he so well liked? What are his credentials and why did world leaders meet in Washington? What took place at this meeting? These are the many questions that need answers.
In the past, congressional medals have been presented to very few individuals. Since the inception of our country, fewer than 125 medals have been awarded. Most medals went to non-religious leaders. Why did the Rebbe merit the medal?
When reviewing the outstanding qualities made by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, we find a single most important highlight that separates him from all other religious leaders. That is his reaching out to all religions, all cultures and all people at all times.
The Rebbe searched for an intrinsic human quality that binds all mankind. The Rebbe found it by reviewing the roots of all mankind. We truly are the children of Noah.
Yes, the children of Noah have a commonalty that supersedes all creeds, races and religions: the concept of being children of Noah leads to a family message.
If we are truly one family, we must be compassionate to mankind. We must care about sharing our world with our fellow family members! Together we can work on making this world a safe and wonderful place to live.
Family members look for similarities, and not differences, between siblings. They work together building a healthy present, securing a peaceful optimistic future and have a proud past.
Back in the days of Noah the almighty G‑d gave the children of Noah seven divine laws to live by. They are the prohibition against adultery, idolatry-blasphemy, theft, murder, sexual impurity, acts of cruelty and the obligation of courts of justice for mankind. These laws are called The Laws of Noah.
No leader in the world has worked this hard in reaching millions of people with the message to embrace these seven laws.
The Rebbe cut through religions, races and nations making no differences for those governments that were aligned with the West or the East. His message was so universal that all recognized the need for the observance of the Noah laws.
Education is a must for all people. The need for religious feelings and consciousness, to be felt by all, was the manifesto of the Rebbe.
These ideas have stimulated millions of humans world-wide to make a difference and actively embrace the seven Noah laws. This has made the world a safer place to live.
On Wednesday, June 28, a contingency of the following people met: House Speaker Gingrich, two Georgian Reps., John Lewis and Jerry Lewis; Chief Rabbis from five countries - Israel, Canada, France, Morocco and Australia. There were a thousand participants, including many dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Never in history has there been such a bipartisan display. It's hard to imagine seeing Newt Gingrich and Congressman Lewis, the Afro-American, agreeing on the need to remember and continue to work together as in the spirit demanded by the Rebbe.
Early August, the President of the United States of America will formally present Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov with the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the important work accomplished by the late Rebbe of Lubavitch.
Today there are over three thousand Lubavitch centers spanning the globe continuing the work started by the Rebbe. Thousands of young and old rabbis carry out the work in bringing godliness and goodness to the entire world.