The first time the Rebbe addressed the Chassidim [after the Yom Kippur war] was on 13th of Tishrei, just three days after the war began. And when I started reading the Rebbe's words, I was so surprised to see that the Rebbe was speaking about... increasing in joy!
Joy? How can you increase in joy when Israel is under such a vicious attack? How can the Rebbe, who saw his dire warnings fall on deaf ears and is now witnessing the dire consequences, speak about joy?
It slowly dawned on me. Back then, just as it is now, Israel was at war. In war, you need to do everything you can to win. You can't go into battle with a faint heart or low morale. A battle cannot be won with tears. You need to be strong, courageous, and positive. Despite everything that happened up to that point, you need to be filled with faith that G-d will be with you.
The Rebbe quoted a famous Jewish idea that [Hashem Tzilcha] -- G-d is our “shadow,” reflecting our behavior. When we act joyously, He mirrors that joy back to us. Despite everything, we need — we must! — be filled with positive energy!
==== By a Rabbi looking to guide his community. chabad.org
I Desperately Needed to Know What the Rebbe Said
Dedicated Lizchus Staff Sergeant Chaim Sholom ben Elka [Pinson] stationed in northern Israel.
Rabbi YY Jacobson
WHAT WOULD THE REBBE SAY
WHAT DID THE REBBE SAY
