Dear Friends,

In this week’s parsha, Toldot, we meet Jacob and Esau, twin brothers who embody two distinct paths in life. Jacob, spiritually inclined, dwelled in tents and dedicated himself to Torah study, while Esau, passionate and physical, was a man of the field, deeply engaged with the material world. Their struggles reflect a tension we all experience: the challenge of balancing our spiritual aspirations with the pull of worldly pursuits.

Rebecca saw Jacob as the safe choice for the blessings, a righteous son already committed to spirituality. Isaac, however, believed in Esau’s potential to elevate the physical and transform it into holiness. Their story reminds us of our mission—not to suppress our passions but to channel them, using the wisdom of the Jacob within us to guide our worldly pursuits and uplift them. When these forces work together in harmony, we can fulfill our purpose: gathering sparks of holiness scattered throughout creation and bringing them to light.

This message resonates as we reflect on Thanksgiving—a time to pause, express gratitude to G‑d, and appreciate the blessings in our lives: family, community, and the freedoms we cherish. It’s an opportunity to infuse our material blessings with a spirit of holiness and gratitude. We are so filled with gratitude for the gift of being a part of this beautiful community- our extended family.

This week, we also mourn the tragic loss of Rabbi Zvi Kogan OBM, a dedicated Chabad emissary who was brutally murdered in Abu Dhabi. Rabbi Kogan brought light, joy, and a strong sense of Jewish connection to the UAE. He established the country’s first kosher supermarket, helping countless Jews maintain their observance while traveling. His murder is a heartbreaking reminder of the darkness that still exists in the world. Yet, his life inspires us to continue his mission—to bring goodness and holiness to every corner of the globe. May his memory be a blessing and a source of strength for his family and all who were touched by his work.

On a personal note, I’m on my way to the International Kinus Hashluchim, the annual gathering of Chabad emissaries from around the world. Thousands of shluchim are coming together in New York to recharge and strengthen one another in our shared mission to bring Torah, mitzvot, and acts of kindness to every Jew, wherever they may be. In the face of challenges and tragedies, this gathering is a powerful reminder of the unity, faith, and dedication that define our global movement.

As we enter Shabbat, let us hold all of this in our hearts: the lessons of Toldot, the gratitude of Thanksgiving, the pain of loss, and the inspiration of a worldwide commitment to bring light into the darkest places. May we soon merit the ultimate redemption, when all forces in creation will unite in harmony, and the world will be filled with the light and peace of Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zushe Cunin