Living Torah Archives

Rabbi Shimon Bekerman serves on the board of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel. In 1965 he traveled to New York for the month of Tishrei and had his first audience with the Rebbe.

Like the human body, a nation comprises of a “head” which guides their direction and “feet” to do the lifting and lead them towards it. The Zohar teaches that in every generation there’s an individual, who like Moses, serves as the head of the Jewish nation, injecting life and vitality into all those connected to him.

More than just the period of time in which he lived, each generation is essentially intertwined with, even defined by, its spiritual leader. This ccentuates the tremendous responsibility of those who merited to live in the same generation as a Rebbe. This extends also, to those who did not see him during his lifetime, or were born after his passing. If one studies his Torah teachings, and fulfills his directives, then he is bound to the Rebbe, and all that he represents. And this bond must transcend merely being connected; it should define and express his entire identity.