Dear Friends,
Today, 29 Tammuz, marks the yahrzeit of Rashi—acronmym for his name Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki—the 11th century Torah commentator whose words accompany nearly every page of Torah study. Ask anyone who's opened a Chumash or Talmud: Rashi’s commentary isn’t just helpful. It’s essential. His clarity has anchored Jewish learning for centuries, allowing us to approach the text with confidence and direction. Some state that Rashi can serve as an acronym for another moniker: RABAN SHEL YISRAEL - The Timeless Teacher of Israel.
Rashi famously said that his commentary was written for the ben chamesh le’mikrah—the five-year-old child just beginning to study Chumash in school. At first glance, that might sound simplistic. But in truth, it’s the opposite. It takes a rare kind of brilliance to distill complex ideas into language so clear, even a child can grasp it. Simplicity is not a lack of depth—it’s refined understanding. And in Rashi’s words, entire worlds are embedded.
That legacy of simple greatness was beautifully mirrored in a story shared by Rabbi Shmuel Lew, which he heard back in 1964 and later recounted. He was present at a gathering where the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana, offered a personal reflection. She had spent her life surrounded by Torah greatness—both her father and husband were renowned rabbinic scholars. Yet she said, “I’ve never seen anyone like my son. He is great because he carries himself with such simplicity.”
Her words weren’t just motherly praise. They captured something deep: that true greatness speaks quietly, with dignity and impact.
Not long after her passing, the Rebbe began a weekly series of Rashi Sichos—teachings delivered at the Shabbos farbrengens ( gatherings). This wasn’t just a choice of content—it was a statement. A tribute. A merging of what Rashi represented and what the Rebbe embodied: profound insight wrapped in accessible language, depth offered without pretense.
And it became a lifelong mission. Across hundreds of talks from 1964 onward, the Rebbe didn’t just reference Rashi—he carefully dissected each phrase and insight. Even the most familiar comments were treated with rigorous analysis, revealing halachic nuance, Chassidic depth, and practical guidance. Through these Rashi Sichos, the Rebbe transformed Rashi into a gateway for clarity and relevance, speaking powerfully to scholar and layperson alike. (If you want a taste of Rashi Insights and have 20 minutes, here is a great short Rashi class from my friend Rabbi Menachem Feldman).
In many ways, this ethos is reflected in the world around us. We increasingly admire leaders who show humility over grandeur. Even in professional life, our dress has grown more casual—not to diminish respect, but perhaps to elevate authenticity. It feels like a cultural shift toward valuing quiet integrity over loud status. Maybe this is a reflection of the same spirit—a zeitgeist that echoes the timeless truth of Rashi and the Rebbe.
It is taught that on the day of a soul’s passing, its legacy ascends and spreads—becoming more present and accessible to all who are connected to it. Rashi’s legacy: Simplicity isn’t a lack of meaning—it’s its sharpest expression. And quiet dignity doesn’t hide greatness—it reveals it.
On a personal level, we have a daily Chumash and Rashi Zoom class M-F 9:15am (which you can join live—see flyer below—or watch our daily recordings on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/chabadpittsford).
May we be inspired to live in that way: digging for depth, and expressing it simply and practically. To reach for truth that’s profound—and integrate it with clarity and grace into daily life. In doing so, we honor Rashi, follow the Rebbe’s example, and share light that uplifts quietly, clearly, and enduringly.
Shabbat Shalom / Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yitzi Hein