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The Power of Joy


A chassid once traveled to one of the Chabad Rebbes. He related to the Rebbe that his deceased teacher had appeared to him in a dream with a frightening message: it has been decreed in Heaven that one of this chassid's children would pass away that year.

The Rebbe heard his words, sighed, and remained silent. A reaction that certainly did not bode well.

"What special deed did you do on Simchat Torah?"As it was shortly before the holiday of Sukkot, the chassid remained till after the holiday. When it was time for him to return home, he approached the Rebbe for his blessing. The Rebbe happily assured him that his family would be well.

"Besides," the Rebbe asked, "what special deed did you do on Simchat Torah?"

The chassid recounted how during the Hakafot he was standing on the side crying when he remembered that, after all, it was Simchat Torah! He washed his face and joined the dancing, ignoring his dread.

"You should know," the Rebbe said, "this is what caused the change in your situation."

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By Yossy Gordon   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author
Rabbi Yossy Gordon was born in Worcester, MA, and serves as Executive Vice President of the Chabad on Campus International Foundation. Rabbi Gordon makes his home in Miami Beach, FL, with his wife Rochel and their six children.

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Latest Comments:
Posted: Oct 19, 2011
the transcendent power of joy
This is a story that is wonderfully wise and turns back in on itself, as a scroll that folds and unfolds. It's how we straighten something that is curled, first we turn it one way, and then, the other, and it irons out.

Maybe the Chassid was wrong to deliver such a dream, but he did, since in his mind the dream was irrevocable, and it was a message of unbearable sorrow. And he brought this dream during Simchas Torah, a time of great joyful celebration to a beloved teacher. Maybe he should have considered this but he did not.

We cannot say but we do know, the answer the Rebbe brought to him, was wonderfully wise and that joy itself, transcends even death, however it happens, and this is such a powerful story with a deep, deep, message.
Posted By ruth housman, marshfield hills, ma



 


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