Translated and presented by Boruch Merkur
Following the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe MH”M proclaimed that the Rebbe remains alive as before. * Source materials on this topic, compiled by Rabbi Majeski in Likkutei M’koros. (Underlining is the author’s emphasis.)
The Rebbe is with us as before. He is presently in his room and hears us farbrenging.
If so, how do we [have the audacity to] farbreng here [before the Rebbe]?
[The answer is simple:] Because the Rebbe wants us to.
***
Once, the Rebbe had a microphone set up and listened to the farbrengen taking place here [while still in his room]. The same thing exists now, but obviously in a much more robust way [being no longer confined to the constraints of physicality].
Seifer Chassidim3 mentions that [even after his passing] Rabbeinu HaKadosh would come every Friday evening to his home, at dusk, dressed in Shabbos clothes. He would make Kiddush and discharge others of their obligation thereby.4
Also now it is dusk, after Mincha, and “Rabbeinu HaKadosh” [i.e., “our holy Rebbe,” the Rebbe Rayatz] is coming to make Kiddush and even stay here for the night.
***
One time, this winter, I entered the Rebbe’s room. He was sitting, resting his head on his hand, immersed in thought. He told me that he wishes to travel to Eretz Yisroel. I said: How is it possible to make the journey? There is so much work to be done here. He took a moment to reflect on what I had said and responded: Nu, it was a pleasant thought.5
In his thoughts, the Rebbe was already in Eretz Yisroel. Indeed, [the Torah tells of how] the bones of Yosef were brought to Eretz Yisroel [alluding to, in this context, how the Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Yosef (Yitzchok) Schneersohn, succeeding in making his way to the Holy Land, at least in thought].
***
Once, a Chassid came to the Rebbe from far away and asked the Rebbe to say a maamer Chassidus. The Rebbe answered that he [typically] says Chassidus on Shabbos. The Chassid countered that when he comes to the Rebbe it is Shabbos for him. The Rebbe [accepted this line of reasoning and] said Chassidus.6
So too, now, through proper hiskashrus to the Rebbe, it is possible for it to be Shabbos for every single person – any day, any moment. The Rebbe comes, makes Kiddush, discharging others of their obligation. That is to say that he extends influence upon them as if they had made their own Kiddush, but in a more profound way – making Kiddush with the Rebbe’s kavana, and thus, his holiness.7
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NOTES:
3 Siman 1129
4 There is considerable debate over the legality of discharging the obligation of others to hear Kiddush in this manner. See the Chida on this section of Seifer Chassidim, and his Shem HaG’dolim, Part I, Letter Alef, s.v. R. Eliezer ben R. Nosson. See also Gilyonei HaShas by Mahari (R. Yosef) Engel on K’subos 103a.
5 It is interesting to note that the Rebbe’s earlier journeys (before coming to America) – his journey from Russia, from Riga, from Warsaw – were all unavoidable, for which reason he always left at the last possible opportunity – the last train, the last ship.
6 See the Rebbe shlita’s notes on the written maamarim of the Rebbe Rayatz, nishmaso Eden pg. 24.
7 Towards the end of the farbrengen the Rebbe shlita spoke with great emotion and in tears, saying that in referring to the Rebbe Rayatz one mustn’t use the phrase, “Nishmaso b’ginzei m’romim.” What “ginzei m’romim”? “Ginzei m’romim” is an expression that pertains to illuminations and revelations. The Divine service of the Rebbe, however, was not done “lekabel pras – for the sake of receiving a reward,” a term that is linked etymologically to “prusa – a slice/piece [of bread],” which is something that connotes a mere illumination or revelation (Likkutei Torah Tazria 20b). Rather, the Rebbe is connected with the essence, which transcends illuminations and revelations, insofar as the essence is (in the place where his general service was done) here below (as explained in the teachings of Chassidus). The Rebbe is also here below! (And the Rebbe concluded) My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita. [See also pg. 83 of Toras Menachem] will take us to the true and complete redemption. (M’reshima pratis, bilti muga.)
(Ibid 26-27)