This past Tuesday, little Moshe Holtzberg visited the building in Mumbai, where his parents were gunned down in a terrorist attack nine years ago. We all remember the gripping Thanksgiving terrorist attack where terrorists killed nearly 170 people and injured hundreds more in a series of attacks throughout the city of Mumbai.

Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, were both murdered in their Chabad Center targeted by the terrorists, who laid siege to the complex for two days.  Miraculously, Baby Moshe was saved by his nanny Sandra amidst the siege. 

Moshe was joined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to unveil plans for a state-of-the-art Living Memorial at the Nariman (Chabad) House to commemorate all victims of the attacks.

Netanyahu was welcomed to the center by Rabbi Israel and Chaya Kozlovsky, co-directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai. After signing the guest book, Netanyahu remarked that the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—had told him to “kindle light and thus to expel the darkness, for such is the nature of light. When one kindles even but one candle, it has the power to banish much darkness.”

Speaking to Moshe at the unveiling of plans for the Living Memorial, the prime minister noted how the boy was “growing and developing beautifully,” and that he would soon be bar mitzvah and would one day raise a family. “The Jewish nation is accompanying you all the way,” said Netanyahu.

“What happened here represents the polar opposites of love and hate,” he continued. “The hatred was perpetrated by the terrorists, but it also expressed tremendous love. The love of your parents, Gabi and Rivky, to you, Moshe, and the love that is expressed by the Chabad House here in Mumbai, and the love that is expressed by the embracing and loving attitude of the Chabad emissaries around the world, who provide a loving home for every Jew.”

Moshe presents a gift to the Israeli premier. (Photo: Chabad of Mumbai/Chabad.org)

Why were the Holtzbergs in Mumbai?

Why does little Moshe want to return?

They are inspired by the Rebbe's message of love, a message of living life with a purpose and mission. The Rebbe inspired them to give up the comforts of their home in Brooklyn and Israel to help other fellow Jews live a more Jewish life.

Next Friday, Shevat 10, January 26, marks 68 years of the Rebbe (very reluctantly) assuming leadership of the Chabad movement. The day the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yizchak, passed away and the day his son-in-law the Rebbe assumed leadership.

With dedication, love and lots of sweat and tears the Rebbe transformed a small group of post-Holocaust broken souls into the largest movement in Judaism today.

On that day 68 years ago, the Rebbe set into motion the incredible post-Holocaust rebirth of Judaism we see today. Gabi and Rivky died while serving others, they exemplified true love and dedication. Their son Moshe is continuing their legacy.

Please join us tomorrow, Saturday 9:30am, for Kabbalah study, as we explore the essay the previous Rebbe published before his passing. "Bati Legani - I have come to My garden My sister My bride."

Then join us for the most amazing Shabbat, NEXT week, J an. 27, with Rabbi Chaim Drizin, MA, LMFT, who will share stories and anecdotes about being a rabbi to the Hippies, and how to live a more meaningful life. See below for more info.

Before then we hope to see you tonight 6:00 for services and dinner, and tomorrow 10:00am for services and lunch.

Happy Birthday Martha Schlenger!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Berel and Devorah Levertov