The Tzaddik and the Rebbe

I’ve translated the whole of this letter of the Rebbe because although some of it is not so relevant to the blog topic, it’s needed in order to know the context of the section that is relevant.

To the administration of Kfar Chabad,

Peace and blessing! ...

The lack of obedience in Kfar Chabad, and the disorganization that this leads to, cause me tremendous pain. I am not sure of the solution for this, for it would appear that the solution is simply to reach a recognition, which means an internal understanding and sensation, that Kfar Chabad carries the name of Chabad, and when it was founded it received the blessing of the [Previous] Rebbe, my father-in-law, for this. It is well known that while still alive he said here, that he leads it [Kfar Chabad] himself. Thus, you must all regard all matters related to Kfar Chabad as relevant to fulfilling the desire and will of the [Previous] Rebbe, my father-in-law, and honoring his name. This is not a personal matter.

The practical consequences of this are twofold:

In the positive sense: This is his [the Previous Rebbe’s] personal task, and he is the Nasi HaDor [Leader of the Generation]—meaning that all the flows of blessing related to our generation flow through him, and not only spiritual flows, but even physical ones. For as is known, this is the function of a Nasi—that he elicits all the flows of blessing for the generation without exception. Therefore it was necessary for even the physical meat of the generation of the desert to be elicited via Moshe Rabeinu [the Nasi of that generation]. (It is true that he said, “From where will I have meat?”[1] [which apparently implies that he was not a conduit for that type of physicality]. However, Chassidus explains that he said, “From where will I have meat?” [This indicated that he recognized that the blessing did need to come via him, and he was only questioning how this would occur in that particular situation.]) [Thus,] one receives his flow of blessing—provided the channels used conform to his [the Previous Rebbe’s] wish and desire—successfully, i.e., in a manner that transcends the natural order, and one may then use it for healthy, happy things.

In the other sense: Inappropriate behavior increases the power of the “other side” [a reference to the forces of Kelipah, i.e., concealment of G–dliness] not only in one’s own environment, but also in the environment of the Nasi HaDor. Thus, this affects the community to a far greater extent than the [general principle that] “All Jews are responsible for one another.”[2] It is unnecessary to elaborate upon this, for the matter is sufficiently straightforward, especially for those who have been involved in the teachings of Chassidus, and have an appreciation of the notion of Hiskashrus [bonding with a Tzaddik].

Igros Kodesh, Vol. 6, p. 257.

[1] Bamidbar 11:13.

[2] Shovuos 39a.