An excerpt from the first letter written by the Rebbe after the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz. It was published as an introduction to a kuntres of Likkutei Dibburim (printed in Likkutei Dibburim, Vol. IV, p. 578a).

B”H,

.. In one of his letters1 after the passing of his father [the Rebbe Rashab], my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ,2 writes concerning tzaddikim, the “protectors of the world,”3 that even after their passing: “Not only are they not separated from the flock they have shepherded, but they lovingly present themselves before the footstool of the heavenly throne and take up their place before the splendor of the exalted and sublime G‑d, in order to protect the people of Yeshurun (Israel).”

All of this is also true of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ.

We, however, for our part, should maintain and strengthen our bond with him ever more intensely — by studying his maamarim, sichos and letters, and by thinking deeply upon the directives to be found in them, as well as upon the particular directives given to us. And then, we will proceed4 “in the straight course that he has shown us, [following] his paths, and we will walk in his ways forevermore.”

Menachem Schneerson

18 Shvat, 5710