Today marks a deeply meaningful date on the Jewish calendar -Gimmel Tammuz, the 3rd day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz (June 29, 2025), which commemorates the physical passing of a man whose spiritual impact continues to reverberate across the world: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
To me, he was not only a global spiritual leader. He was my Rebbe, my teacher, and in many ways, the moral compass of a generation.
The Rebbe wasn’t just revered by the religious or the observant. He reached heads of state and humble strangers alike. He counseled scientists, artists, survivors, soldiers, and seekers. His vision was one of purpose, dignity, and light—a world where every person matters and every moment counts.
And although he passed from this world on this day in 1994, his teachings continue to guide millions, including those who perhaps never had the chance to meet him and may not identify as “religious” at all.
In honor of this auspicious day, I’d like to share a timeless teaching that the Rebbe often quoted, illuminating it with incredible warmth and relevance. It comes from the Midrash Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:2, where G-d says to the soul:
“Open for Me an opening like the eye of a needle, and I will open for you an opening like the entrance to a great hall.”
The Rebbe taught that this isn’t just a poetic phrase. It’s a personal invitation—from Above to each of us. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all together. You just have to start with a single sincere step.
Life can be overwhelming. Sometimes we feel stuck, unworthy, or too far gone to change. But the Rebbe taught that G‑D is not looking for perfection - He’s looking for sincerity.
A needle’s eye is tiny. Barely enough space to let anything through. And yet, that’s all it takes. One honest moment. One kind deed. One attempt to grow. And in return? The universe opens back up to you with possibility, healing, connection, and grace.
One of the Rebbe’s most liberating messages was this: You don't have to wait until you’re “ready” to start doing good.
In fact, the moment you take that first step - whether it’s lighting a Shabbat candle, saying a prayer, putting on Tefillin, doing a Mitzvah, helping someone in need, or even just asking a question - you’ve already begun the journey. The door is already cracked open.
The Rebbe believed that no soul is ever truly lost. He saw greatness in people that others had given up on. He believed in the divine spark within every human being—even if it was buried under layers of doubt, hurt, or distraction.
What’s especially beautiful about this teaching is how G‑d promises to meet us more than halfway. You open the door just a crack, and He swings it open wide. The Rebbe saw this not only as a theological idea, but as a blueprint for relationships, healing, and progress in every area of life.
If there’s one message I’ve taken from my teacher, it’s this:
You are never too far. It is never too late. And you are never too small to matter.
Even the smallest step forward can become the doorway to something unimaginably great.
Let today be the day you open that door—even just a little.
Midrash Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:2 – “Open for Me an opening like the eye of a needle…”
Likkutei Sichos – vol. 2 (Vayeishev), vol. 25 (Redemption), vol. 30 (Elul)
Toras Menachem 5743 – vol. 2, pg. 942
Sichos Kodesh 5741 – vol. 1, pg. 56
Tanya – Iggeres HaTeshuvah, chapter 11
Chabad.org – The Rebbe’s Legacy – www.chabad.org/therebbe