Unfortunately, there is much confusion about the concept of a Rebbe and the Rebbe-chassid relationship. Many people raise challenging questions about its validity as well as its necessity: Doesn’t it detract from our relationship with G-d? Is it really Jewish? Isn’t it going a little overboard?
However, these questions are no different from the questions that have been raised about all aspects of Torah and mitzvos throughout the ages. The answer to all of them can be summed up in two words: knowledge and education.
The lack of knowledge or distorted information is what brings people to view Torah and mitzvos in a negative way. And poor or distorted knowledge can easily prevent one from fully appreciating the concept of a Rebbe and the Rebbe-chassid relationship.
The purpose of this book is to educate its readers about this subject, bringing sources from the Torah, Talmud, Halachah, and Kabbalah, and their commentaries to do so.
First and foremost, the information presented here will help the reader understand that a relationship with a Rebbe does not divert our focus from G-d, but actually enhances and deepens our relationship with Him.
In addition, the book will give insight into the nature of a Rebbe. Not just a dynamic leader, brilliant Torah scholar, and person of impeccable character refinement, a Rebbe is a spiritual giant. Head and shoulders above even the most seasoned Torah scholar, his mind, heart and soul is rooted in a higher spiritual G-dly realm. This realm, inaccessible to the ordinary person, is an absolute reality to the Rebbe.
By connecting to the Rebbe, a chassid is open to receive the flow of spiritual light radiating from him. This fills him with passion and knowledge of how to live his life and fulfill the personal mission for which G-d has created him.
It is with this G-dly light that the Rebbe empowers, inspires, and lifts the chassid to a higher plane. The function of the Rebbe is not to impose his ideas or feelings upon his chassidim, but to inspire and lead each individual through a personal path which enables them to nurture and develop the personal, spiritual wealth they possess within their own soul.
Of course, this subject is very deep and very broad. There is much more to explore than what is written on the limited pages of this book. Even after the book has been read and the sources in all the footnotes researched, there is infinitely more to be learned.
Nevertheless it is my hope that this book will help in a significant way to open a small window by shedding light on the nature and purpose of the Rebbe-chassid relationship. In so doing, the truth of this phenomenon in Jewish life will be unsheathed, allowing all to appreciate it and opening a door for all those who desire to enjoy this experience personally in the most fulfilling way.
Rabbi Shloma Majeski, Dean of Machon Chana, Women’s Institute of Jewish Studies
Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11 Nissan, 5768, the birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
