50 | FEBRUARY 23 • 2023 

H

undreds gathered at Oakland 
Center Founder’s Ballroom at 
Oakland University to hear 
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s lecture titled 
“The Rebbe: Five Teachings that Can 
Change Your Life Today.” 
The event was co-sponsored by the 
Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies 
and Community, Oakland University 
Judaic Studies Program, Chabad Jewish 
Center of Troy and Chabad Lubavitch of 
Michigan. 
Telushkin is the author of 18 books, 
including the book at the center of the 
event: Rebbe: The Life and Teachings 
of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most 
Influential Rabbi in Modern History. 
Telushkin summarized key takeaways 
all can implement immediately to change 
their life.

Love your neighbor. The Rebbe 
stressed the importance of ahavat 
Israel, love of one’s fellow Jew, as the 
fundamental mitzvot that supersedes all 
others. He shared examples throughout 
history where infighting among Jews 
brought devastation to the Jewish 
people. He said a key part to maintaining 
camaraderie and respect is to discuss 

opinions/positions and not people. The 
Rebbe never named a person when 
sharing a reflection of disagreeable 
opinion/position. 
Be a fearless leader. To be a great 
leader, one must create leaders, rather 
than followers. The Rebbe empowered 
others to act and to lead. He stressed 
that the resources needed are within 
each person. The Rebbe was connected 
to macro issues in the world, while still 
being mindful of individuals in need of 
attention and extra care and support due 
to life circumstances.
Be an optimist and choose words 
carefully. The Rebbe was adamant 
about the power of words. He implored 
positive word choice. For example, 
choosing names for hospitals that focus 
on being health centers rather than 
places for the sick or incurable. God 
created the world through spoken words. 
We, like God, create our reality through 
our choice of words and expression. 
Telushkin shared one language change 
that he adopted is switching the 
frequently used term “deadline” to “due 
date.” Words hold great power and 
impact deeply; they must be used with 

great care and responsibility. 
Another example found in the life of 
the Rebbe in applying this approach is 
in his interaction with veterans severely 
impacted by their service and labeled 
disabled. The Rebbe stressed that 
often individuals who lose one ability 
compensate with exceptional abilities 
elsewhere. He urged focus on the 
positive.
Hatzlacha B’zman translates to 
success with time. Telushkin shared, “To 
utilize the time we have to full capacity 
we must be fully present at the task at 
hand.” 
It is critical to learn and practice 
the art of focus, of banishing all other 
thoughts and stay in the moment with 
exactly what is in front of us.
Anything worth doing, is worth 
doing now. When Telushkin surveyed 
the room, he asked those gathered 
to complete the colloquial phrase, 
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing 
…” 
“Doing well,
” most responded. 
 Telushkin objected and clarified that 
the Rebbe’s perspective was, “Anything 
worth doing is worth doing now.
” 

SPIRIT

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin 
 shared five lessons that 
 can change one’s life 
 at an appearance at 
 Oakland University.

Lessons from 
 the Rebbe

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN 
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

 JAMIE FELDMAN

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author 
of a book on Lubavitcher Rebbe 
Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 
speaking at Oakland University

