The following story took place during the first or second year of the Rebbe’s leadership:
1. Listening to an expert
The true reason one should obey the Rebbe’s instructions is that he has committed to be a chossid, and the Rebbe is adoneinu, our master. A chossid must obey.
However, this degree of commitment is not necessary in order to realize that one should obey. If one thinks clearly, even one who unfortunately lacks a full sense of commitment as a chossid can realize that he should obey the Rebbe, simply because he knows enough to know that he doesn’t truly know, while the Rebbe, who is a true Tzaddik, does. Moreover, the Rebbe is not issuing his instructions for his own benefit at all, but for our benefit, to refine and elevate us, to cleanse and rectify us so that we can serve Hashem in the best possible manner.
The Rebbe is a master spiritual doctor; thus, one who desires to become spiritually healthy and stay that way will follow the Rebbe’s prescription even if he is not a chossid.
2. Believing in the Tzaddik:
We “believe and don’t believe.”
A non-observant woman turned to the Rebbe in connection with her husband’s health. The Rebbe blessed her husband with a complete recovery and added that if until now she did not light Shabbos candles, she should begin to do so.Lessons:
The woman contacted the secretariat and argued, “I don’t understand the connection between my husband’s health and my lighting Shabbos candles.” The secretary relayed this to the Rebbe, who responded that the secretary should tell her as follows: “If you do rely on me, and this brought you to write to me, then believe me that lighting Shabbos candles will help your husband’s health. And if you don’t believe me, why did you turn to me in the first place?!”
1. Listening to an expert
The true reason one should obey the Rebbe’s instructions is that he has committed to be a chossid, and the Rebbe is adoneinu, our master. A chossid must obey.
However, this degree of commitment is not necessary in order to realize that one should obey. If one thinks clearly, even one who unfortunately lacks a full sense of commitment as a chossid can realize that he should obey the Rebbe, simply because he knows enough to know that he doesn’t truly know, while the Rebbe, who is a true Tzaddik, does. Moreover, the Rebbe is not issuing his instructions for his own benefit at all, but for our benefit, to refine and elevate us, to cleanse and rectify us so that we can serve Hashem in the best possible manner.
The Rebbe is a master spiritual doctor; thus, one who desires to become spiritually healthy and stay that way will follow the Rebbe’s prescription even if he is not a chossid.
2. Believing in the Tzaddik:
We “believe and don’t believe.”
Even of Noach, who is described by the Torah as “a righteous man” who “walked with G–d,” it is said that he “believed and didn’t believe,” for he did not enter the teiva (ark) until the last moment (Rashi, Bereishis 7:7).
Likewise, the Rebbe has issued numerous instructions. However, many chassidim are only ready to obey in areas that they understand and appreciate, while in areas that they don’t relate to so well, they are lax. They have “selective hearing.”
However, in reality this demonstrates a lack of faith. One who truly believes will not allow his lack of understanding to detract from fulfilling the Rebbe’s instructions.
Moshiach is coming now. Let’s not wait any longer to “enter the teiva.”
Likewise, the Rebbe has issued numerous instructions. However, many chassidim are only ready to obey in areas that they understand and appreciate, while in areas that they don’t relate to so well, they are lax. They have “selective hearing.”
However, in reality this demonstrates a lack of faith. One who truly believes will not allow his lack of understanding to detract from fulfilling the Rebbe’s instructions.
Moshiach is coming now. Let’s not wait any longer to “enter the teiva.”
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