First, a person achieves a level of immature intellect [small brains-mochin d’katnus] like the child who celebrated by walking on his hands, even though he had no idea of the import of the news.
Second, a person acquires complete intellect [a mature brain-mochin d’gadlus] like Reb Michoel who grasped the greatness of the miracle.
Third, a person acquires a settled mind [yeshuv hadaas] like Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim, as it says, “The older the person, the more settled his intellect.”
In each case, however, those involved exceeded the ordinary level of service. The child didn’t just jump for joy; he walked on his hands. Reb Michoel, who understood the miracle with his intellect, didn’t expound about the wonderful news but danced as if it were Simchas Torah. While Reb Eliyahu Chaim, who had a settled intellect, was so overwhelmed that the Previous Rebbe had to calm him.
The lesson is that at each stage of development, holiness should permeate a person to the point where it overwhelms his existing faculties [Kelim], thereby enabling him to reach a new and higher level of service. This is what is commanded in “Shema Yisroel,” the service of “with all your might” the word “your” being the key. Through the service of “with all your might,” a person draws down the level of Your might from Above—the true source of might, the “Mighty One.”
Unity of the Chassidim
The Previous Rebbe related that when the Russian government wanted to institute laws on Jewish education that threatened to secularize the Jews of Russia, the Tzemach Tzedek publicly opposed the government. He was arrested multiple times at great risk to his life. When asked how he could endanger himself when so many Jews looked to him for spiritual and physical leadership, he answered, “My sons will take over and even if my sons can’t, the unity of the Chassidim will sustain them until Moshiach comes.”
Our Rebbe commented that over a hundred years have gone by since the passing of the Tzemach Tzedek, and his sons are also not here to lead us. Nevertheless, the Chassidim are united. This will help us to prevail over all obstacles and break the dark golus to achieve the statement of Isaiah, “Hashem will be the light of the world!” Our unity nullifies all bad decrees and breaks all barriers!
[parshas tzav 5726]
