Passing of a Tzaddik, The

In Aramaic, the language of the Talmud and the Zohar, the word histalkut means departure or withdrawal. In Kabbalistic texts it usually connotes upward ascent. This is the term most commonly used by chassidim to refer to the death of superlatively righteo...

The greatness of a perfectly righteous tzaddik is not fully evident while he is still alive and his students can behold his physical presence. It is only after the passing of such a leader that we can know what effect he had on those who follow his ways. ...

A person’s passing seems to be a time of sorrow, not happiness. Yet, we gather on the Rebbe’s Yahrzeit, to increase our energy, enthusiasm, and joy in fulfilling our life’s mission. Torah teaches that, “a greater light comes from darkness.” Torah instruct...

Torah expects a tzaddik to not be satisfied with his own righteousness; his mission is to influence his fellow Jews to follow G‑d’s path, and to help them become in turn sources of inspiration to others as well.

Time has passed, and so much has happened since I was a child in Soviet Russia, yet I feel an undeniable connection to this land where so many righteous tzadikim are buried.

Haman rejoiced greatly when his lottery to determine the date of the ‘Final Solution’ fell on Adar, considering it the most propitious omen possible, for it is the month that Moses died. However, there are far more sadder and calumnious months in the cale...

Up to his final terrestrial moment the Patriarch Jacob exhibits paranormal stamina, composure and clarity for a person about to pass, and in fact, a glaring scriptural omission indicates he never actually died! How on earth can that make any sense; especi...

During this Chassidic gathering, the Rebbe focuses on an enigmatic statement of Rashi: “The passing of the righteous is difficult for G-d like the breaking of the Tablets.” What connection is there between the two? Is there anything positive in the breaki...

The Sages of the Talmud, in their debate whether one may discuss Torah while consuming a meal, address the existential quandary of whether it is better to transcend nature or conform to it. (Based on Likutei Sichos, Vol 35. Vayechi 3.)

Why do we travel to the resting place of a tzaddik? What happens during our visit there? What kind of connection can one still have with one's teacher after the teacher has passed on?