Alone, What Am I?
It is said regarding the Kedushas Yom Tov of Sighet that he once came to his Rebbe, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, who loved him dearly. And the Rebbe asked him the following question: “Who are you?” Baffled by the question, he answered, “Rebbe, I am Lipa’le!” But the Divrei Chaim asked again, “Who are you?” The Kedushas Yom Tov thought that perhaps the Rebbe wants to hear his lineage... or perhaps the location of his rabbanus... but the Rebbe was not satisfied. Until he blurted out, “Me, myself, I am nothing!” Hearing this, the Divrei Chaim broke out in a smile, and hugged his dear talmid.
There is an incredible lesson in this incident. A person must recognize that he is a vessel for the Shechinah to rest upon—but only if we don’t push it away. In most cases, we sadly prevent the Shechinah from resting upon us through our preoccupation with outer and illusory perceptions about ourselves. But if we allow Him in, He will rest within us. Yes, HaKadosh Baruch Hu, Who desired a resting place down below, can rest upon you! And when this happens—even for a moment—the pleasure is indescribable.
And the purpose is extremely important—and it is worthwhile for a person should live 80 years in This World only for this moment. HaKadosh Baruch Hu derives pleasure from this. A special yichud takes place: The final part of the neshamah that came down to This World succeeded in reuniting with the Shechinah, and there has been a קודשא ייחוד ושכינתיה הוא בריך.
