The Permeating Influence of the Rebbe

In previous chapters, we discussed the permeating nature of the yechidah. Despite it being the most profound element of the soul, the yechidah can be the most relevant. It need not remain as a last-resort mechanism. It can become the basis of one’s everyday self-perception.166

As was explained, a focus of Chassidus Chabad is to cause the yechidah to be absorbed within the entire psyche. The Chabad approach provides intellectual presentation of the soulful ideals of Chassidus specifically for this purpose. While fielding them towards practical application, the wellsprings of Chassidus are brought outside.167

Also highlighted above was the vital importance of the yechidah having this permeating effect. If the yechidah is seen as abstract, other-worldly, or non-relatable, then it is not truly yechidah. Is it a fifth, loftiest level of the soul? Indeed it is, but that is not the core essence of the soul. A true essence must not be ­relegated to a specific mode of being. Only when the yechidah displays the paradoxical ability to be both abstract and relatable, does its true nature as the very core of the Jew come to the fore.168

Now, in a similar vein, this is relevant in terms of the role of a Rebbe, the general yechidah of the generation. Beyond being the nerve-center who feels for, and tends to, the needs of the Jews of his times, a Rebbe is also meant to become integrated within the people. A Rebbe does not just exert influence over his followers; instead, he imbues them with his yechidah ideals so that they too begin living yechidah-focused lives.

Ultimately, for a Rebbe’s “yechidah-effect” to be entirely successful, he must engage his followers so that they too contribute to the effort. If the Rebbe remains the sole “broadcaster” of influence, his followers are only “receivers.” In this manner, the Rebbe’s yechidah will never become who they truly are. They become accustomed to “receiving” revelation, but it has yet to become their own.169

Instead, to maximize the absorption of the yechidah, a Rebbe must empower his chassidim to involve their own efforts, allowing them to truly discover the yechidah within. In this manner, the yechidah will fully resonate within the “outsides,” the everyday lives of the chassidim. As explained, this integration of the yechidah reveals the essence of what the yechidah truly is. It uncovers the true essence of the Rebbe and the power of his influence.170

Interestingly, this idea is hinted to in the verse describing the influence of Moshe, the first neshamah klalis, within the Jewish People.171

“Ve’atah tetzaveh es Bnei Yisrael veyikchu eilecha shemen zayis zach… leha’alos ner tamid,” literally translates as, “And you shall command the Children of Israel and they shall bring you pure olive oil… to kindle an eternal light.”172 Describing G‑d’s directive that Moshe instruct the people regarding the lighting of the Mishkan’s Menorah with pure olive oil, the Torah states that they were meant to bring the oil to Moshe. Now, Moshe was not the one to kindle the Menorah, so why did the oil need to be brought to him?173

Chassidus explains that on a deeper level, this verse describes the kindling of the inner soul caused by Moshe. “Ve’atah tetzaveh es Bnei Yisrael” can also be translated, “And you [Moshe] shall connect the Children of Israel [with G‑d].174 However, along with the directive that Moshe should reveal this deepest bond with G‑d is the instruction that the Jewish People should contribute to the effort: “They shall bring you pure olive oil.”

Beyond Moshe’s inspiration, the masses should supply fuel for this inner fire, and they should bring Moshe the benefit of their own efforts.

The result of the people’s contribution is that the lamp will become “an eternal flame.” The true essence of the soul is always applicable and knows no bounds. It is simply who we are. However, this is only revealed when Moshe’s influence is integrated within the people to the point that they bring Moshe the benefit of their own homemade efforts. It is the oil that they produce which solidifies this influence and causes it to last forever, “leha’alos ner tamid.”175

While this idea of yechidah absorption is relevant to the Rebbe’s model of leadership and his Shlichus movement as a whole, it becomes especially pertinent and obvious in this “post-Gimmel Tammuz era.”

In a manner that defies conventional thinking, the Rebbe’s presence, leadership, and influence are all continuously expanding. Empowered by the Rebbe, his chassidim and Jews from all walks of life continue to further advance his life-changing messages. The Rebbe’s “yechidah-effect” continues to resonate in an increasing manner, illustrating that this was not a temporary influence; it is an “eternal flame” kindled within the hearts of this generation. This became who we are.

To cite the words of the Rebbe in 5745/1985, regarding the expanding influence of the Rebbe Rayatz some thirty-five years after his passing:

“One cannot say that he is not here. On the contrary, every year he becomes more alive, stronger, and more active between us and in us, and through us in every Jew and in all Jews and in the entire world.”176

Somehow, the Rebbe’s presence continues to be felt within the Jewish People and the world at large. The Rebbe’s “yechidah influence” is present within his chassidim, and by its means the Rebbe remains active within today’s world.177 One can easily recognize the Rebbe as the most influential Jewish leader of the 21st century, just as he was in regard to the latter half of the 20th century. With the Rebbe involving anyone who was willing to join in his efforts, the Rebbe kindled an “eternal flame” of Jewish identity and mission.

Direction in Our Times

An integral element of the Rebbe-chassid relationship is the Rebbe’s availability to offer guidance and blessing to all who turn to him. In the Rebbe’s own teachings, he emphasized that a Rebbe’s physical passing does not stop this flow of personal connection.178

Regardless of a Rebbe’s place in the spiritual realms, as a true “shepherd of Israel,” the Rebbe does not abandon his flock.179 The Rebbe continues to care for his people, and as the Zohar teaches, he is “present in this world more than he was in his lifetime.”180 The constraints of time and space no longer cause even the slightest limitation, and his soul continues to draw G‑d’s blessings into the world in an abundant manner.181

This heightened connection causes that every person, regardless of their background or previous relationship with the Rebbe, can seek the Rebbe’s blessing and guidance in their personal lives.

Hiskashrus is fully possible, and more so, in an increasing manner. The chassid realizes that if the Rebbe-chassid bond defies the bounds of human expectation, it must truly be a yechidah connection. The true value and strength of this bond is appreciated, and the chassid invests their all into realizing its potential, living up to the ideals that such hiskashrus deserves.

The greatest levels of spirituality are connected to the lowest elements of existence; therefore, the Rebbe’s presence is especially felt at his physical resting place.182 Known as the Tziyun or Ohel, it is a place of connection and spiritual recharge.183

A visit to the Ohel is a meeting of souls, where the Rebbe’s yechidah bonds with the yechidahs of the visitors.184 The empowerment and clarity of the Rebbe’s perspective can be sensed,185 and one can be sure that the Rebbe hears the individual and their requests.186 It is customary to put one’s requests in writing and after one reads their letter, it is usually torn and left on the Ohel.187

When one connects to the Rebbe, asking him for blessing and direction in any given matter, the Rebbe “will find the way to answer.”188 Utilizing whatever spiritual means are available to him, the Rebbe will orchestrate matters in order for the person who wants to fulfill his mission to do so, regardless of the circumstances.189

An additional mode of reaching the correct decision is by learning and engaging in the Rebbe’s Torah teachings. When one does so, powers are granted from the Rebbe to succeed in doing the right and desired thing.190

Finally, the general instructions which the Rebbe has given for decision making are comprehensive and well known.191

In Conclusion

In all, we have discussed the role of a Rebbe and its centrality to Chassidus. Connection to the Rebbe is what transforms Chassidus from the theoretical to the actual. Living with hiskashrus is what powers the personal yechidah revelation, and also guides the individual in fulfilling their soul’s true potential and purpose. As we approach the culmination of purpose in preparation for Mashiach, hiskashrus is more relevant and possible than ever.