Growing up an observant Jew, no figure in modern religious history has played such a formidable role in my theological development than Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of Chabad-Lubavitch.

Be it his cultivation of leaders, radical empathy, or staunch principles in the face of an ever-evolving society, the Rebbe has consistently been a voice of moral reasoning, even long after his passing.

The decision to mark the one year anniversary of the horrific October 7th Hamas attacks, which culminated in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, at the grave of Rabbi Schneersohn, was relatively simplistic.

Now more than ever, American Jewry needed a moment of existential solace and divine intervention.

That former President Trump would be joining the Jewish community at the gravesite to mark the solemn occasion was an unexpected, although deeply appreciated, gesture.

Although both Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz were equally invited to join the community in prayer and introspection, it was Trump who showed up.

As we were waiting to receive the former president, the importance of the moment was not lost........

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