The Rebbe Rayatz once said to a yeshiva student: “Torah without fear of Heaven is like an electric chandelier without bulbs, or a small tallit without tzitzit.”
It is told that a Rabbi once complained to Rabbi Hillel of Paritch, one of the great Chassidim of previous generations, that his words were not being heeded among the members of his community, and the communal leaders did not accept his guidance.
Rabbi Hillel said, “they do fulfill the teaching of our Sages: ‘everyone who has fear of Heaven, his words are heard.’”
The Rabbi became very upset and produced his certificates of ordination from great Rabbis, as well as responsa from renowned Rabbis praising him as a genius. Rabbi Hillel responded, “these are paper proofs, whereas the proof from the Talmud is a living proof. Add fear of Heaven, and your words will be heard.”
