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One of the foundations of Chassidus is that there is always a Nasi-Moshe Rabbeinu in every generation. Even if the Nasi did not officially accept the leadership position, he is still the leader of the generation from the moment of the histalkus of the previous Nasi. This always makes young students ask: If so, that the Rebbe was already the Nasi hador from the moment the Frierdike Rebbe was Nistalek, what took a year to officially accept the nesius?

[It is actually interesting to point out the “pattern” that we see by our holy Rabbeim. The Alter Rebbe took many years to officially accept the nesius and the MIttiler Rebbe took it right away. The Tzemach Tzedek took time to accept the Nesius and the Rebbe Maharash accepted it right away. The Rebbe Rashab took many years to officially accept the Nesius and the Frierdike Rebbe accepted it right away.]

While it is completely obvious that we do not know the calculations of our holy Rabbeim, and it would be futile to start coming up with theories or ideas, I always answer the question the following way: While we may never know the Rebbe’s calculation, there are definitely two priceless gifts that we received from the Rebbe during that year he did not officially accept the Nesius:

 1) The tremendous Sichos and letters of HIskashrus of a Chassid to a Rebbe in a situation where the Rebbe is not seen physically in this world. 2) A true understanding of what a Rebbe is – by reading the reasons that the Rebbe wrote that he is unwilling to become the next Rebbe.

To elaborate:

It is obvious to all that have read and learned the talks and letters of the Rebbe that there is a big difference in the tone – especially when it comes to the demand of HIskashrus – in the talks and letters from before the Rebbe officially accepted the Nesius and after. The difference is self-understood: Before the acceptance of the Nesius, the Rebbe is speaking and writing as one Chassid to the next. Thus, things are expressed in a much clearer and open (“Farbrengen style”) way.

This is especially true of the Sichos and letters of the year between Yud-Shevat 5710 and 5711. The demand of complete dedication and continued hiskashrus to the Frierdike Rebbe, and the recognition that the Rebbe that the CHassidim could not see is still their Nasi, is evident in every sicha and letter of that unique year.

That treasure of clarity of true Hiskashrus could only be expressed by someone that was acting as a Chassid of the Frierdike Rebbe. It is a tremendous source of clarity and inspiration for all of us that are going through this final test of concealment before the ultimate revelation of the Rebbe as Melech Hamoshiach.

In addition: During that special year, Chassidim wrote and pleaded with the Rebbe to accept the leadership of Chabad. To many of them, the Rebbe explained his refusal by describing what a true Rebbe is.  As CHassidim, we need to absorb those descriptions to understand – after the Rebbe did accept the leadership – what a true Rebbe is! (see footnote 101 in the famous sicha of Shoftim 5751).

I will share a few examples and encourage everyone to read the letters of that year for yourselves:

1. “With regard to what you write:  “Please, have mercy on us….” For this, one must have the potential, essential powers, quintessential powers, revealed powers, and perfection in the garments of thought, speech, and deed, etc., etc.” (Igros volume 3 page 485 #765).

2. “With regard to the pattern that was followed with regard to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ”מ, I already wrote to someone that for that, it is necessary that I possesses essential powers that are appropriate for that [mission]; similar concepts apply with regard to revealed powers and to the three garments of thought, speech, and deed, etc.” (Igros volume 4 page 70 #823)

3. “ I was shocked when reading it — that you demanded from me matters that were not granted me and which I do not possess. Neither these matters, nor matters of this type, are relevant to me.I have no complaint against you [for making this demand], because you do not know me personally. Nevertheless, you should have researched the matter because it is dinei Nefashos.” (Igros Volume 3 page 260 #576)

May we all use the time leading up to Yud-Shevat to properly prepare ourselves for the Kabbalas Hanesius and may we merit to be mekabel moshiach Tzidkeinu – B’poel Mamash!

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above with me by sending me a personal email: [email protected]

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