The Transparent Tzadik

The true tzadik connects you to your G‑d
without ever standing in the way.

By Tzvi Freeman

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.

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Rebbe means teacher. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson is seventh in a prestigious line of chassidic rebbes. Even after his passing, he is known worldwide as simply "The Rebbe"- a Rebbe for any person in the world. This book offers every person a taste of the Rebbe's wisdom, condensed from over 50 years of letters, public talks, private conversations, and written works. Presented in an accessible format.

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19 Comments

Tzvi Fastag Brooklyn, New York May 25, 2021

I think here is the difference between a real Tzaddik and some one who still has not reached that level. A real Tzaddik has no ego and is selfless. He does not take pleasure in having a large following.
He is there to help the person connect to Hashem and grow in the direction that the individual wishes to go. He never imposes himself.
We see for example that Moshe Rabenu was so happy about medad and eldad receiving prophesy from Hashem.
He did not begrudge them but on the contrary he wished everyone could reach that level. Reply

Yona Weis Boston, MA July 21, 2021

in response to Tzvi Fastag:

Hi, What you are saying is that a Tzadik brings others to Hashem to his level because he is not arrogant therefore anyone can achieve greatness... Right? Reply

Rita Forbes Clinton May 25, 2021

Good Morning,

I once had a teacher who said, "keep it simple so everyone will understand." This morning, I found another teacher and he kept it simple.

I wonder if they knew each other? 🙂

Thank you, Reply

NRivera Atlanta May 25, 2021

I once heard someone say that a great Tzadik is like someone who picks up the cord of a lamp, and plugs it into the outlet. :-) Reply

Tzvi Freeman May 25, 2021

in response to NRivera:

That’s what I would have thought. But when I read this, I discovered that a great tzadik is one who can show a lamp how to plug itself into the outlet—and then stand back and allow it to happen. Reply

NRivera Atlanta May 26, 2021

in response to Tzvi Freeman:

Wow! You just brought my understanding to a whole new level. Thank you Rabbi! Reply

Brenda Toronto, Canada April 17, 2013

Link to the Light If we read a Kabbalistic text we connect with it's author who links us through the spiritual mechanism to the Source. We can also request our desire for the light to correct us to the teacher who has attained a higher level. He presents our vessel for the filling - the Shechina (Divinity).

Within the core of each there does exist a tiny spark of connection to the Source. If we unite with each other we increase it's intensity.
The Kabbalistic sources and teachers who are at a higher level of attainment can act as powerful connectors for those at the lower degree. Reply

Anonymous Arizona, USA April 17, 2013

Transparent Teacher I learnt this lesson from Hashem, blessed be He, Himself. He did not want me to depend on any human being. Still doesn't. He teaches me everyday. Seek, knowledge in Torah,and you shall find, ask in prayer, and it shall be given to you. Every day, as we learn from Torah, and do as we are ask from the Almighty, we will see His Glory Shine. The battle is constant, because we are in the flesh. The enemies of the Creator of the Universe, are non stop. But as Hashem promised us: Deut.11:13-14 "And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the L-rd your G-d, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil." A good teacher of Torah will also pray for the L-rd's children, and try to help them the best possible he/sh can. Thank you R. Freeman. Reply

Anonymous April 17, 2013

So simple. So right. So special. Thank you. Reply

Anonymous April 17, 2013

Transparent teacher Interesting use of word "your"

"...conncts you with your G-d".

It seems a personal connection here referred to (your G-d).
So once a personal connection established no need for (human) teacher anymore? Reply

David Harold Chester Petach Tikva May 25, 2021

in response to Anonymous:

Surely He is Our G-d not "your G-d". I think this sets off in a wrong way for providing explanations. Reply

Anonymous April 17, 2013

Maybe This DD seems to contradict the last two. In those, mentoring was espoused. In this one, mentoring is getting out of the way .I think i get it though.The good teacher teaches you how to think, and so you should be able to study on your own and consult your mentor on questions which arise. I suppose you don't go to a mentor with each individual question unless the question is essential to learn further. Being connected to G-d is lesson number one, a long lesson at that. Reply

Anonymous UK April 17, 2013

The Transparent Teacher That's a very special teacher.

It's been my experience that when the pupil is ready the teacher will come. Reply

TJ Uk April 17, 2013

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you shoul go, I will guide you with My eye. " Tehilim 32, 8.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Tehilim 119, 105 -What better teacher than G-d Himself! Reply

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman November 26, 2010

Clarification Someone asked for a source.

In chassidic jargon, this is the difference between a memutzah ha-mechaber and a memutzah ha-mafsik.

Basically, there are two kinds of intermediaries: One that gets in the way and one that connects. The one that gets in the way is like retailer who has an exclusive deal with the manufacturer--so that the only way you can get the goods is through him. The one that connects is like a matchmaker, who gets two people together and hopes that chemistry will do the rest.

And idol acts as the first kind of intermediary. When Moses told the Jewish People, "I stand between you and your G-d," he meant the second sort. Reply

Joan Johnson May 25, 2021

in response to Rabbi Tzvi Freeman:

This sounds like good parenting. At first we are doing everything, then they gradually learn independence and walk and run on their own. However, even though my daughter is grown and out of the house, I am always available when she cries. Reply

Thomas Karp New Haven, Ct. November 23, 2010

You've demonstrated here, Rabbi,- how much kavana (meaning and direction) can be packed into one, simple, sentence.

It reminds me of some of Rabbi Hillel's sayings. Reply

Annette Pena Tejeda Floresville, TX. November 23, 2010

THE TRANSPARENT TEACHER In other words ...He instructs you and then watches to see what we are going to do with those instructions. Thank you for this beautiful passage. Blessings to you. Reply

Anonymous January 17, 2010

:) thank you Reply

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