DER REBBE LEBT!

Dear Reader sh’yichyeh,

This Shabbos marks the 18^th year since Gimmel Tammuz 5754. It is obviously a day that requires prior preparation; it is a day of Cheshbon Ha’nefesh. It is a day that we have to ask ourselves how in-tune we are with the mission that the Rebbe personally gave to each Chassid: the mission to make Moshiach a reality in this world.

Everyone knows that the number 18 is the numerical value of the word “chai” – life. Thus, the theme that we have seen often recently is “V’ha’chai Yitten El Libbo – Let the living take to heart.” This is an expression that the Rebbe used countless times after the passing of our holy Rebbetzin, encouraging the living Chassidim to learn from the ways of the departed Rebbetzin.

While learning lessons from the Rebbe’s Torah and behavior is obviously a wonderful thing to do, it cannot be done in the above-mentioned manner. We can never feel that we are learning our values and being inspired by a departed Rebbe, Ch”v. We must make a paradigm shift and take the time to “Yitten El Libbo – Sh’Chai!” We must internalize in our hearts and lives that we have a living Rebbe.

There are two ways to show the world – and ourselves – that we have a living Rebbe. The first way is by simply publicizing it outwardly. While you may scream it louder, you may not really be convincing anybody. It remains your word against theirs. The best and most effective way to get the world to understand that the head (the Rebbe) is living is by seeing that the feet and body are active!

In Parshas VaYeishev, we learn that Yaakov Avinu’s sons sell their brother Yosef to Mitzrayim. Instead of telling their father that their brother disappeared, they tell him that Yosef was killed by a wild animal. The Torah (37:35) tells us: “And all his sons and all his daughters arose to console him, but he refused to be consoled, for he said, ‘Because I will descend on account of my son as a mourner to the grave,’ and his father wept for him.” Rashi explains why Yaakov refused to be consoled: “No one accepts consolation for a person who is really alive but believed to be dead, for it is decreed that a dead person should be forgotten from the heart, but not a living person.” (From B’Reishis Rabba 84:21, P’sachim 54b)

When the world sees that Lubavitch is still growing 18 years after Gimmel Tammuz and we are holding steadfast in our Emuna in the Rebbe, i.e. we refuse to be consoled, then that is what makes them realize that we have a living Rebbe.

I will share a story that happened a few years ago which will illustrate this point.

Every Yom Tov has its unique Halachos and Minhagim. One of the big Takanos of the Rebbe is the Tahalucha, visiting other shuls and neighborhoods to share the joy of Yom Tov by sharing Divrei Torah and Chizuk. One Yom Tov it was pouring rain, but nevertheless the Chassidim marched on with joy to their destinations.

One particular Chassid came to the shul that was assigned to him and was immediately confronted by a member of the Shul. That member told him that he would not allow him to speak unless he could prove to him that “De Rebbe lebt – the Rebbe is living.”

Without missing a heartbeat, that Chassid responded, “Look, I am here!” The shul-member was confused so the Chassid explained:

“On Yom Tov one is supposed to spend time with his family. Why do you think I left my family and walked for hours in the pouring rain to come to your shul? It is only because “De Rebbe Lebt!” Needless to say, the Chassid was allowed to speak in the Shul.

By keeping our Emuna in the Rebbe and his holy words strong we will be merit to “Zen zich mit der Rebbe….V’Hu Yigaleinu!”

Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well sought after speaker and lecturer. Recordings of his in-depth shiurim on Inyanei Geula u’Moshiach can be accessed at http://www.ylcrecording.com.