A Love That Transcends All

A Love That Transcends All

Rabbi Y. Oliver

Earlier I quoted the HaYom Yom of 26 Shevat, which discusses the love between Rebbe and chossid, and concludes by describing this bond of love as so intense and powerful that “it knows no barriers and transcends the limits of time and space.”

This is also of particular relevance for chassidim after Gimmel Tammuz, when the Rebbe is physically hidden from us. This statement of the Previous Rebbe emphasizes that no obstacle can overcome the bond between chossid and Rebbe, and this surely includes the superficial phenomenon that occurred on Gimmel Tammuz. The chossid who is truly devoted will be able to overcome this difficulty, and even deepen his relationship with the Rebbe despite the external concealment.

No better example for such a deep devotion can be found than the example set for us by the Rebbe himself, whose devotion to the Previous Rebbe never waned, and only increased further and further, despite the Previous Rebbe’s Histalkus (passing).

Although this might seem like an advanced level, since “I [Hashem] only ask of them [the Jewish people] according to their ability” (Bamidbar Rabba 12:3), Hashem surely grants us the ability to attain this level of connection.

The main thing is that attaining and maintaining this connection enables us to deal with the intense spiritual darkness of the exile. We are then not only not deterred by it, but inspired to overcome it, emulating the Rebbe’s inspiration for serving Hashem and for revealing Hashem in the world, and thereby preparing it for the ultimate revelation of Hashem in the world, with the coming of Moshiach, who will usher in the true and final redemption.