It’s an image engraved in the minds and hearts of anyone who witnessed it. At a given point in specific farbrengens, an understated signal from the Rebbe would prompt the Chassidim to sing (the Rostover niggun) a slow and evocative niggun. The Rebbe’s facial expression would change and it appeared that his focus turned inward. At a point in the melody, he would close his eyes. When it concluded, he would speak — eyes yet closed — in a distinct sing-song, communicating refined spiritual concepts.
In contrast to his Sichos (“talks”), where the Rebbe looked at his Chassidim and spoke to them, during these discourses, he was not focused on his listeners. Instead, he was absorbed in the ideas and imparted them in the abstract. At that time, many a Chossid would recall our Sages’ words: “The Divine presence spoke from Moses’ throat.”
Such discourses, called Maamorim, represent a distinct element of the Chassidic tradition. Indeed, in previous generations, this was the primary medium by which the Rebbeim would communicate teachings to their followers.
(Adapted from Chabad.org)
