A Rebbe Does Not Depart

Today is the anniversary of the passing of my revered father-in-law, the sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, on 10 Shevat, 5710 (1950). It is an appropriate time to view this 40-year period in a larger perspective.

On the one hand, the present exile has been the longest and harshest of all our exiles. On the other hand, due to the increased dissemination of the Torah’s Wellsprings in recent times, fewer areas of this world’s materiality still await refinement. For both reasons, we are entitled to plead before G-d Almighty: “Ad Mosai? How much longer until the redemption?”

In the meantime, we have the clear assurance of my father-in-law that a Rebbe, even after his physical passing, never forsakes his flock. Since his very essence is inscribed in his writings, his ongoing spiritual presence gives strength even to those who did not study from him personally – especially through his emissaries, each of whom will no doubt establish more and more educational institutions in their respective communities.