Rebbe, Role of; Rebbe-Chassid Relationship

It’s 5:30 a.m. and faxes and e-mails are coming in nonstop. A maintenance worker hauls fresh chocolate cookies off a truck while another stacks endless pairs of non-leather shoes into a wooden shelf.

What, exactly, is a Rebbe?

There is fierce love in it, and unquestioning loyalty. There is passion, devotion, admiration, appreciation, awe, mentorship, care, concern, sacrifice...

A fundamental principle of the Jewish faith is that there are no “intermediaries” between G‑d and His world; our relationship with Him is not facilitated by any third party. So what is the role of a rabbi, a rebbe—indeed, a Moses—in Judaism?

The suicidal boy informed the Rebbe of his plans. The Rebbe listened, and tears began to course down his cheeks...

“I knew,” the Rebbe said, “that there must be something in me that could relate to his situation . . .”

The Rebbe demonstrates his miracle-working technique to a group of high-school students

In the wee hours of a sleepless night, Eli thought of the Rebbe.

There were never any followers of the Rebbe -- followers couldn't keep up. The Rebbe had only leaders, those who rebelled with him

It was merely the expectation that I would see the Rebbe again. Or, to be more precise, that he would see me . . .