International Initiative: A Good Deed for the 120th Birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

In honor of the 120th anniversary of the birth of the 'Lubavitcher Rebbe,' Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson—taking place today (Tuesday) on the Hebrew date of the 11th of Nissan—Chabad International launches a global campaign where 120,000 Jews around the world will commit to one good deed as a birthday gift.

The campaign spans across 100 different countries worldwide, utilizing Chabad emissaries operating there, in languages such as Hebrew, English, Spanish, Russian, French, and Portuguese.

Chabad officials describe it as a unique, first-of-its-kind project, employing the concept of charity websites that serve as crowdfunding platforms for various organizations and charities. However, in this case, it's not about financial donation but about performing a good deed. Participants can choose from six carefully selected main mitzvot: helping others, studying Torah, giving charity, reciting 'Shema Israel,' lighting candles, or putting on tefillin, though any mitzvah of choice is welcome.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of the 'Education Affairs Center,' responsible for Chabad's mission project, says: "These are simple mitzvot considered primary and fundamental, which is why we chose them. The idea behind the initiative is based on Maimonides' ruling: 'Every person should imagine themselves all year as evenly balanced between guilt and merit... If they perform one mitzvah, they tip the balance for themselves and the entire world toward merit, bringing salvation and rescue.' The Rebbe always emphasized that every Jew is Hashem's emissary to bring Torah and goodness to others. Although it seems like a small act, it adds to many good deeds. If each of us selects one, we can shift the scale and bring redemption to the world. In the current era, with frequent attacks in Israel and millions at risk in Ukraine, we must do something to change the situation."

Chabad has reached out to a range of celebrities expected to write about the initiative today and the mitzvah they've chosen. According to them, "this involves men and women from all corners of the spectrum, right and left, religious and non-religious. It's heartwarming to see everyone coming together to fulfill mitzvot."