The Short Course on Yesterday's Post: The Message of a Chabad Christmas

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Dear Readers,

  I thought today I'd give a little analysis on yesterday's post about Mendel Claus, my name for the figure suggested in that narrative.  There are some physical and metaphysical ideas there that raise an eyebrow for me, especially considering my affiliation to the University.

  I chanced upon the story while I looked through some old reporters' notes, from a famous New York Times writer.  At least, famous in his time stream.  In yours, I think he had a rather successful film career instead, 80% of it just by showing up.

   The idea that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, somehow found a kabbalistic path to immortality is not an unusual thought to find throughout the various time streams.  Usually, however, it is an idea put forward by his followers after his death and its veracity is dubious at best.

  On the other hand, the idea that he ascended mortal affairs to become a somewhat discorporated realization of the Santa Claus construct is unique to the one source I used to build the narrative.  It relies on a few simple principles in common between Rabbi Schneerson's way of life and the principles of the holiday you're privileged to celebrate.

  Mechanically, the part that interests me the most is the concept of kfitzat haderech.  One steps through one material object, and comes out in another.  We have several professors, including the Genius of Vilna, Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman, working on this technology for the University.  The very mode of travel shows that the important part is not what or where, but how.  It is the manner of thinking.  It is, in the parlance of Christmas, the thought that counts.

  Metaphysically, the key idea is that this man, this Rabbi who spent his life in an attempt to bring the Jews closer together, as well as to commit random acts of kindness to all people, would spend his "afterlife" as a man who tries to bring the whole world together.  Santa Claus is, at his core, the manifestation of the rabbinic ideal, an unshaven man in snazzy clothes who does his best to make sure everyone, everywhere gets the things their hearts desire without embarrassment.  It is the pinnacle of the idea of kindness throughout Judeo-Christian theology: that the recipient feel only the gift, and not the obligation to the giver.

  With only once source, I am not sure how much of it to believe.  But every story about a cheerful Santa Claus is one that I want to be true.  The idea that such a selfless person could be out there, could have transcended time and space to become an avatar of generosity, is an idea that warms my heart.

  Merry Christmas (Always),

   Dr. John Skylar
   Chairman
   Department of Anachronism
   University of Constantinople