As much as a rebbe can do for the people, the people can do something even greater for their rebbe.
The rebbe can teach. He can guide. He can inspire.
But he can’t get us to drink the water. To take ownership of the vision he has given us.
Yet it's only then that his investment pays off. That, indeed, is the essence of everything.
Maamar V’atta Tetzaveh.
The "essence of everything" is certainly not in how the general public or even those of more orthodox inclination react to what the Rabbi envisages. This essence is much more to do with good government and when (as here and now) two politically motivated sides are so similarly in their numbers, this essence is lost because both sides seek a compromise and at the same time a dominance. If there remains any essence it is in what holds us together not what separates us and our opinions. The grace of G-d is glue!