The Spice of Life

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson (wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) passed away 20 years ago on the 22nd of Shevat (corresponding this year to Tuesday 29 January). We honor her memory and continue the work to which she devoted her life - spreading the teachings of Chasidism and encouraging others to learn and grow Jewishly.
Our Sages tell us that a person's name alludes to the essence of the soul. In the case of the Rebbetzin, her name also alludes to a spiritual responsibility incumbent upon us.

Many people, of course, are familiar with the meaning of her first name, Chaya. It comes from the same root as the word for "life" - chayim. The name Mushka, though, is Yiddish and means a delightful aroma that gives pleasure. Together, the two names can be read to indicate "the spice of life" - instilling and infusing the physical and ordinary with the sweet smell of spiritual delight.

Chasidic teachings tell us that our souls come into a body to fulfill a purpose - a two-fold purpose. One, we are to serve G-d with joy, and two, that service should elevate the mundane, transforming the world into a dwelling for the Divine. The Rebbetzin, in the way she lived and the example she set, and even in her name, taught us how to fulfill our life's purpose.

The Rebbetzin was an extremely learned woman as well as a righteous woman. And she encouraged others to study, both the revealed aspects of Torah - the laws, customs, traditions, etc. - and the mystical aspects as explained by Chasidism.

She gained her knowledge at a time when educational opportunities for women were severely limited, unlike today when there are many Jewish schools for girls, some of which even bear the Rebbetzin's name.

But the Rebbetzin not only understood the importance of Jewish education, she exemplified it. And this leads us to an essential consideration.

On the yartzeit of a tzadik - the anniversary of the passing of a righteous individual - it is customary to increase, even if only a little, one's Jewish involvement. One can add to the regular amount of charity given, one can observe a mitzva a little better or a little more regularly, etc.