Choosing a Rav

When introducing the initiative for appointing personal mashpi'im, in addition to the already-appointed community mashpi'im, the Rebbe set criteria regarding whom one should choose as a mentor.

Firstly, said the Rebbe, a mashpia must have the three qualities that characterize Yidden in general: he must be compassionate, bashful and kind – visibly so, and to a degree appropriate to his position.

Secondly, Chazal teach that one should learn Torah from a rav who resembles a malach. This means that the rav should be far removed from personal bias and envy, so that he can advise a fellow Yid without any personal interests involved.