One Purim, the Previous Rebbe told the following story: The Alter Rebbe had a very simple and unlearned Chassid. His level of knowledge was so basic, it was doubtful if he knew the meaning of many prayers. Nevertheless, he followed the Chassidic custom of praying for an extended amount of time, even on weekdays. Furthermore, when he davened, he was not just giving ‘lip service but he poured out his heart and soul.
The Chassidim were amazed that he could daaven with so much concentration. When they asked him about it, he answered, “I only know what I heard from the Rebbe. When the Jews received the Torah, Hashem’s words ‘remember’ and ‘hear’ were heard as one. The Alter Rebbe said, ‘Every word must be guarded and said with the One in mind.” That Chassid davened with this intention for 40 years. The Previous Rebbe concluded by saying that a word from a Chassid is not lost.
Our Rebbe points out the lesson. Some claim that because of their low spiritual standing, they are unable to daven in a truly Chassidish way. This story shows that even the simplest person can understand G-dliness. Just contemplate that there is One in every creation all are created by the word of Hashem. With that contemplation, a Chassid can daaven 40 full years. And as our sages say, “After 40 years, a person reaches the daas of his Rebbe.”
Purim 5718
