The Defining Moment of the 20th
Century
On this day, 80 summers ago, in 1927, a miraculous event occurred that was
mostly obscure at the time, its implications invisible, but it set in motion
major breakthroughs that would transform the world.
40 years ago, in June 1967, another miraculous event transpired, one that
had much more exposure, but still has not been appreciated or lived up to
its true potential.
40 years is a key milestone in human development; it marks a new level of
understanding that is achieved. As the Bible tells us (Deuteronomy 29:1-3)
that until the fortieth year from the Egyptian Exodus the people were unable
to truly appreciate “all that G-d did in Egypt before your very eyes, to Pharaoh,
to all his servants, and to all his land.” Though “your own eyes saw the great
miracles, signs and wonders, but until this day [40 years later], G-d did
not give you a heart to know, eyes to see and ears to hear.”
The Talmud derives from this verse that “until forty years a student cannot
fully understand the mind – the essential intention – of his master.”
Maybe now, 80 (40 x 2) years later, the time has come to appreciate the events
of 1967 and 1927 which have so dramatically shaped the world in which we live
in today.
* * *
Rarely can we recognize a major historical event at the moment it takes place.
The simple reason is because while in midst of an experience we cannot see
the forest from the trees.
But with time and perspective we can begin to detect, in retrospect, the
forces that an event unleashes to shape the present and the future.
40 years ago today, following the Six-Day War in 1967, my mentor, the Rebbe,
delivered a historical talk that was as sweeping as it was fascinating, identifying
just such an event that generated an historical shift; one that would dramatically
affect the future course of the world in which we live.
I was a mere 9 year old at the time, but reading his words today sends a
resonating shudder up your spine, striking you with a sudden clarity – like
a flashbulb going off in a dark room – which illuminates the events of the
entire 20th century and beyond.
The defining event the Rebbe identified in 1967 was the liberation of his
father-in-law, the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak from death and imprisonment by the
Soviet authorities forty years earlier today, in 1927. The day is known as
Yud Beis-Yud Gimmel (12-13) Tammuz, which ever since is celebrated as a “festival
of liberation.”
At first glance this liberation may not seem like a major event. One man
saved amongst millions who perished is hardly a great miracle. True, he was
a leader, but when it comes to life and death every soul is equally precious.
The Rebbe’s freedom seemingly pales in comparison to the events that would
come – both the tragedy of six-million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the
miracle of millions more who were saved, the return to Israel and the general
renaissance of Jewish life. Indeed, the events after 1927 were so earth shattering
that it would seem to overshadow the Rebbe’s liberation.
Yet, upon a deeper look into the reason for Rebbe’s arrest – and especially
taking into account events that would take place over the next 40 and 80 years
– the significance of the event takes on a new light.
To appreciate its significance, which is only possible today with 80 year
of perspective, let us briefly review the extreme nature of the single most
paradoxical century in history.
The 20th century – like no other century – brought to the fore
both the worst and best in the human condition. No century was bloodier and
no century was more productive. Never had more people been killed. Hundreds
of millions of lives annihilated. Hundreds of millions more shattered and
uprooted, with unimaginable suffering and loss.
Yet in the same short century we also witnessed unprecedented growth, prosperity
and freedom. Miracles of the highest order. Life expectancy rose by 30 years.
Major advances in medicine and technology have revolutionized every aspect
of life.
The 20th century captured the stark battle between good and evil.
Some men stooped to depths inferior to beasts. Other rose to heights superior
to angels.
Usually in history ups and downs of such magnitude spread over centuries.
Here, in the span of several decades, all of history’s roller coasters came
together, encapsulated in one century.
For the Jewish people in particular – whose history has always mirrored the
history of the world – the 20th century’s extremes marked their
lowest and highest point: From the brink of unparalleled destruction to the
threshold of unprecedented prosperity – the Jews underwent the greatest transformation
ever recorded, all in just a period of several years. From almost total decimation
by Stalin and Hitler, they achieved miraculous rebirth and renaissance.
No where was the miracle more apparent than in Israel. Attacked by five surrounding
Arab armies, the small country of Israel won the 1948 war. Till this day no
one can understand how a small country of several million can survive and
thrive surrounded by countries numbering hundreds of millions sworn to Israel’s
destruction.
The epitome of Israel’s miracle came in the 1967 Six-Day War. Fledgling Israel
was surrounded from all three sides and in a mere six days Israel triumphed
and tripled in size. The unprecedented victory of a tiny country over the
overwhelming Arab countries stunned the world. The miracle became the source
of unparalleled Jewish euphoria and pride. Religious and secular alike, believers
and cynics, could not contain their tears when touching the stones of the
newly reclaimed Western Wall.
Thus, the Jewish story of the 20th century mirrors the global
story: One hundred years of untold misery, as well as unprecedented growth
and prosperity. [Historically, both evil and good have always first affected
Jews, signaling what would come next to the world. Hatred and genocide first
attacks the Jews, then the rest of the world].
How did one century yield such diametrically opposed extremes?
Volumes have been written tracing the roots of the collapse of the world
order in the 20th century – the two World Wars and the ensuing
massive upheavals that have reshaped literally every corner of the globe.
Less discussed, if at all, are the roots of the positive events of this century.
In many ways these roots are far more mysterious, especially considering the
contrast that amidst such enormous devastation should also emerge amazing
achievements. How is it possible that the same world that produced such evil
should also bring so much good?
The only way to understand the 20th century, and for that matter
any historical period, is in perspective: to look at a longer series of events
that have contributed to shape the present and the future. Events, especially
global ones, are never what they seem. Every major event is part of a series
of previous events that together, accumulate to create a bigger picture.
Forty years ago the Rebbe identified the defining positive moment of the
20th century as the 1927 liberation of his father-in-law. Though
at the time it may not have been noticed, but today we can see that it was
an event that would pave the way and chart the course of the subsequent enormous
miracles and developments that would follow decades later.
The 1927 arrest and liberation of the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not a private
or personal matter. It represented a colossal confrontation between good and
evil, between spirit and matter.
Why did the Communists arrest the Rebbe? Why did they see him as a threat?
They gave many excuses – he was a counter-revolutionary, religious commitment
undermined devotion to the Party, religion is the opiate of the masses. But
the true, underlying reason was their war against spiritual freedom. As the
psalmist writes: “Why do nations gather in rage and scheme…[they] rise up…
against G-d and His anointed” (Psalms 2:1-2).
The Rebbe was arrested for his spiritual activities to emancipate and build
the spiritual lives of Jews throughout the Soviet Union. Broadly – this was
a battle for spiritual freedom for people all over the world.
When the Bolsheviks and Communists came to power they abolished everything
religious, with particular focus on persecuting the Jews and their infrastructures.
They methodically closed down synagogues, schools and all aspects of institutional
Judaism. But the Rebbe defied their actions, and did everything in his power
to keep the flame alive – through a wide network of underground activities.
In 1927 thing finally came to a head. The Rebbe was arrested by the Communists,
namely agents of the GPU and the Yevsektzia ("Jewish Section" of
the Communist Party) for his activities to preserve Judaism throughout the
Soviet empire and sentenced to death. Miraculously, the Soviets, who did not
hesitate to shoot millions without due process, commuted his sentence to exile
and, subsequently, released him completely – 80 years ago today.
The Soviet opposition to the Rebbe and his activities represented the battle
of all fascist forces against personal freedom and expression, which the Rebbe
stood up for. And his liberation – by the same authorities that arrested
him – manifests the dominance of spirituality, to the point that it transformed
(for the moment) the enemy into an ally.
Thus the arrest and battle with the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not his personal
affair; it was not an isolated event. It represented the formidable forces
of one of the most powerful countries in the world rising up against the freedom
of the human spirit. No small matter. The stakes were never higher. The consequences
never greater. Who ever would win this battle, would determine the future
course of history.
At the time the Rebbe’s efforts could have been seen as futile; one man standing
up to the formidable Soviet Union, a nation of over 180 million people, led
by the all-powerful, psychopath Stalin. But as he boldy told his captors:
“we will see who will prevail, you or I…” When they pointed a gun to his head
threatening him with his life, he calmly, unflinchingly said: “this toy can
frighten someone who has one world and many gods; not one who has on G-d and
many worlds.”
At the time, the Rebbe’s stubbornness seemed for naught. Yet, today in retrospect
we see that his efforts have lived on, while Stalin, and the entire Soviet
Union have collapsed.
He had the wisdom and determination, and above all, the vision – that rare
power that few people are blessed with – a vision that overrode the immediate
dark events of his time, and gave im the strength to stand up to the great
Soviet Union.
The significance of the Rebbe’s stand can be appreciated 40 year later, during
the Six-Day war, where the same thing took place: The same Soviet Union that
waged war against the Jewish soul in 1927 and on, now armed Egypt to wage
war against the Jews in Israel. And just as the entire situation was miraculously
reversed in 1927, so too in 1967 the Soviet weapons that were directed at
Israel and Jerusalem were conquered, and those same weapons were “turned around”
and became part of Israel’s arsenal in its war against its enemies.
The uncanny similarity between these two events – 40 years apart – demonstrates
the true and far reaching implications of the Rebbe’s stand against the Soviet
Union: He was not just defying them in 1927; he was declaring for the ages,
for generations to come, that the spirit of the Jewish people will not be
broken. His staunch commitment broke open the door and brought on the reversal
of fortunes, both in his time (in 1927) and 40 years later (in 1967).
Indeed, forty years allows us to appreciate the deeper meaning of events
that transpired back in 1927.
We now understand that the Rebbe, back then, recognized that at the heart
of his battle with the Soviet leaders lay the essence of all battles: The
battle between matter and spirit, between higher purpose and brute power.
His victory then opened up the door that would help overcome all the challenges
of the 20th century:
All the battles between good and evil in the 20th century are
essentially a war against spirit – the human soul and the Divine plan; an
assault on the inalienable spiritual rights of every human being.
Being a battle against spirit, the Rebbe understood how high the stakes were.
This was not just a short term battle, but whoever would be victorious would
define forever the dominance of spirit over matter, of faith over self-interest.
He understood that every redemption is rooted in an event that breaks through
boundaries. At the time it may not appear very remarkable. But in time, as
new doors open and new opportunities emerge, we can then appreciate in retrospect
the early events that led us, that pioneered that introduced the revolution.
Once the fruits bloom, we can then appreciate the seeds planted years earlier.
All great achievements begin as a planted seed. Without drama, the seed lays
silently in the ground, slowly being nourished, until the sapling breaks through
the ground, and one day grows into a mighty tree.
How amazing it is to trace the great trees in our lives to their early roots
and seeds.
The Exodus from Egypt is a good example: Though many far greater events followed
the Exodus (the revelation at Sinai, building the Temple, the miracles in
the wilderness), yet we always remember the Exodus, and even the Ten Commandments
open up with “I am you G-d who took you out of Egypt.” Because the Egyptian
Exodus (Yetziyat Mitzrayim) broke open all the boundaries, paving the way
for all the events that would follow.
In mystical terms: Life consists of two dimensions – times of revelation
and blessing, when things are going well. And times of deprivation and darkness.
History too – as so vividly experienced in the 20th century – has
times of light and times of great darkness.
Even the darkness is another form of Divine truth, but it is concealed. What
is the purpose of dark and difficult times? That we not succumb by the challenges
of darkness, but we stand strong and recognize that this is simply a “test”
to see if we can recognize the concealed “hand inside the glove.” This strength
of spirit ultimately has the power to overcome the challenge and reveal how
the “enemy” actually turns around and becomes a force for good.
This was the miracle of 1927. The Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was not intimidated
by the formidable enemy. He knew and understood that, as difficult as it may
be, now the time has come to take a stand. To demonstrate that we are not
afraid, we are not backing down.
At the time its may have seemed as an act in futility. What could he expect
to gain and win? Why not pick himself and all the Jews and move away from
the accursed Soviet Union?
But as a true leader, the Rebbe knew that, as much as we detest the challenge,
there come times when the “darkness” of the Divine concealment shows its ugly
head and does all it can to eradicate hope, faith and strength to forge ahead.
And in such time, it is critical to stand strong and not retreat.
By doing so, you actually break the back of the “concealment” and not only
does it cease to resist, but it actually becomes an asset, an ally that help
appreciate the revelation. Like an example that a teacher gives his student,
which initially may conceal the concept, but once the student understand the
concept via the example, the example itself becomes an extension that supports
the idea.
At the time this “breakthrough” was not yet visible. The Rebbe was freed
and ultimately left the Soviet Union and ended up coming to the United States.
But the darkness of the times would only intensify. Stalin began his reign
of terror, killing millions. The Nazis would annihilate millions more.
But the seed of redemption was born in 1927. It would take close to two decades
before the dawn would break, and life could begin to be rebuilt. And the dawn
did indeed break. Slowly broken people, who miraculously survived, began to
miraculously rebuild their lives.
After the darkness of World War II and the Holocaust few believed that life
could ever be rejuvenated. The worst in man had unleashed its fury on other
men. How could the world survive that? How could young children, left alone
with no family, home or country, ever expect to rebuild their lives?
Yet, rebuild they did. And how. Within a few years, communities began to
spring up over Europe, Australia, South America, the United States and Canada.
And of course, a major influx began rebuilding their lives in Israel. And
finally, in 1967, the miraculous victory in the Six-Day war, transforming
Soviet weapons to assets, consummated the 1927 miracle.
Within a few more years, rebirth turned into renaissance.
The key is to always recognize the Divine Hand behind these events, to perceive
that the Soviet authorities in 1927 and the Soviet tanks in 1967 are just
a “tool,” an example, to express the Divine power to transform the liability
into an asset, the evil into good. By recognizing the hand of G-d in all events
of the world, we actually access the Divine power that lies even in the negative
experiences, and reveal them, so that the enemy is actually reversed into
an asset.
Where did all this strength come from? When did this process begin?
Retracing the steps of the 20th century, from the miraculous renaissance
back into the darkness of the 30’s and 40’s, suddenly the miracle that happened
in 1927 looms large: It is the first spiritual victory of the century. And
not just the first – it took place in the belly of the beast. It thus was
the “door opener” of events to follow. Like a small ray of light in the pitch-darkness
that would descend on humanity in all its horrible forms.
In 1927 – in the infancy of the 20th century tyrannies, before
the worst would come – the seed was planted, and redemption born. And just
like the Egyptians chased the Hebrews out of their land, the Soviets did the
same with the Rebbe, with his family and belongings.
But the miracle of 1927 can only be appreciated 40 years later, in the victory
of the Six-Day War in 1967 over Egypt and the other Arab countires. Just as
the miracle of the Egyptian exodus could only be appreciated 40 years later
as they were ready to enter the Promised Land. And even more appreciated now
– with another 40 years of experience, as we stand in midst of unprecedented
prosperity and freedom in 2007.
The Rebbe’s determination, his spiritual fortitude, pioneered the way – it
opened up a new channel – that would give us all the power to overcome the
darkness that was yet to come.
He took a stand against all odds, and his effort will forever ring in the
annals of history.
Recognizing the roots of the renaissance following the World Wars is not
a mere academic exercise. It teaches us that behind all our growth and progress
lies an invisible hand – behind it lays the unwavering power of the spirit,
which rises above matter.
80 years ago the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak demonstrated how the power of the soul
can overcome and reverse the strongest forces of the material. Something we
can now appreciate – 40 and 80 years later.
In every battle, a stand must be taken. Every victory in battle begins with
the first stand that is taken against the enemy. And this first stand goes
down as the benchmark, the milestone that turns the tide.
The liberation event that happened 80 years ago today marked the first stand
against the atrocities of the 20th century – both in the Soviet
Union and in Europe. And this first stand opened the door and paved the way
making it easier for all of us to achieve spiritual conquest, the victory
of quality over quantity, of the few over the many, of eternal faith over
temporary power, of spirit over matter.
Yes, because of the stand taken by the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak eight decades
ago we now each have the power of our successes and prosperity.
No period in time stands in a vacuum. Every event in our lives and in the
world at large is a result of preceding events, and should not be taken for
granted.
By appreciating the stand taken by the Rebbe in 1927. and following in his
footsteps – which we can do today without oppression – we can better understand
the world in which we live today, both our unprecedented prosperity and technological
advances, as well as the unique challenges that we face. Moreover, this can
help us understand and prepare for the future.
The challenge and question today is this: In our times of freedom and prosperity
can we and do we appreciate the power of our souls, and how it carries the
secret to of our future successes?
