The brutal slaying of an angel

At exactly 12:55pm this Sunday, G-d bestowed His greatest gift upon my wife and myself as we welcomed our third child into this world. Our Sages teach us that the soul of a child originates in the most sublime and lofty planes of holiness before it begins its descent into this dark and tainted world. Hence the baby’s vocal cry of outrage and torment at being torn from its previous perfect existence. As my son screamed his tears of frustration, I began texting my family and friends, sharing the joyful news with them.

This week the Jewish community suffered a devastating blow after it was discovered that a missing 8-year-old Chasidic boy, Leiby Kletzky, had been brutally assaulted and murdered, with parts of his body discovered in a refrigerator and a dumpster.

No words can describe this monstrous tragedy. No thoughts can fathom the mind of the murderer Levi Aron. What kind of barbarian would senselessly slaughter an angelic 8-year-old? No child, no person deserves such a cruel fate. No parent should have to endure the anguish of Leiby’s parents. And like every parent who heard the news, I immediately began contemplating the safety of my own children.

Bringing a child into a world whose streets are darkened by evil monsters is undoubtedly an act of total trust in G-d. Each time we overcome our fears and bring a new life into this world we are affirming our belief that no matter how much wickedness surrounds us, it will be conquered. Goodness will prevail.

Today we celebrate the holiday of the 12th of Tammuz. This day marks the birth of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, and his release from an unjust imprisonment 47 years later.

The Rebbe had been arrested by agents of Russia’s GPU and Yevsektzia (Jewish Unit of the Communist Party) because of his ceaseless activities to preserve Judaism throughout the Soviet Union. So severe was his crime that he was sentenced to death. International pressure led officials to commute the sentence to exile and subsequently to release him completely.  

Many stories are related about the Rebbe’s imprisonment, but one of the most famous occurred when the Rebbe was confronted by a guard who pointed a pistol at him and declared, “This toy has led many people to talk.” The Rebbe calmly replied, “That toy can only intimidate one who believes in two gods and one world, not one who believes in one G-d and two worlds.” The Rebbe taught us how to sustain an unrelenting faith in G-d, how to trust in Him even in the face of unyielding pain.

I have absolutely no answers to the brutal slaying of Leiby. I don’t think any human being can rationalize such a crime. All we can do during this painful time is cry out to the Almighty G-d and demand an end to this terrible exile. Only Moshiach can end our troubles. Yet amid all the confusion and pain, there is one thing that remains vividly clear to me. I will continue to raise my children in this world, I will continue to have faith and trust in G-d.

This is the essence of the holiday of the 12th of Tammuz. There is one G-d and there are two worlds. Our world is dark and unforgiving. Yet, as I hold my 5-day-old son tight in my arms, I look into his face and see a sweet purity, an untainted innocence. I see G-d in his eyes, in his face, in his smile. And I know that despite the chaos around us, G-d exists. One G-d, two worlds.