At that time there was a chasidic Jew who became close to the Rebbe Rayatz. He saw in him a holy Jew, a man of self-sacrifice, and became his ardent follower. Nevertheless, there were several practices of the Rebbe, related to his approach in leading the community, that this chasid found difficult to accept. He presented this difficulty to his former rebbe, whom he had followed before becoming close to the Rebbe Rayatz. "Rebbe," the chasid addressed his former teacher, "how can I reconcile my mind and accept the ways of my teacher and Rebbe?" The chasid’s previous rebbe furrowed his brow and answered: "My fellow rebbes and I belong to the category of tzaddikim of the generation. One can learn from us ways of holiness and purity, love of God, love of Israel, and more. But he—the Rebbe Rayatz—belongs to a different category of tzaddikim; he is one of the leaders of the generation."
What is the difference between an ordinary tzaddik and a tzaddik who is also a leader? A tzaddik is an individual who, in his conduct, serves as a symbol and exemplar for our emulation. But a leader is an individual who is not satisfied with just that. He shoulders responsibility for the entire people and is concerned with leading them to their destiny. By the power of his command, he instructs each person in his role and life’s-mission.
When it comes to leadership of self-sacrifice, this difference is magnified sevenfold. An ordinary tzaddik would sacrifice his life for the fulfillment of Torah and mitzvot. "And all your people are righteous," and indeed in every Jew there exists the power to sacrifice his soul if needed. But a leader of self-sacrifice is one who is capable of explicitly demanding this from others as well.
