Shul Bulletin

The Mashpia of today: Will we only settle with Rabbenu HaKodesh?

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

We have been speaking about the Rebbe’s call for asei lecha Rav over the last few weeks. The mishna at the end of gemara sotah says that anava-humility and yiras cheit-fear of sin ceased with the passing of Rabbenu HaKodesh. In the gemara, Rav Yosef said; “Do not say that humility has ceased because I am here”. Rav Nachman said; “Do not say that yiras cheit has ceased because I am here”.

Were Rav Yosef and Rav Nachman disagreeing with the mishna? What about all the leaders in between Rabbenu HaKodesh and their generation? Were they the only ones to be humble and have yiras cheit? What suddenly changed?

The Rebbe explained that when they taught, they spoke through a meturgaman, who elaborated on their words, or through a tanna who spoke loudly, amplifying their words.  Both Rav Yosef and Rav Nachman knew that they were not on the level of Rabbenu HaKodesh. They did not want however that the tanna should say that publicly. They wanted that the public should have a living example of humility and yiras cheit. If all they would know was that those qualities were lost with Rabbenu HaKodesh then they would not feel the relevance of the mishna to their lives. Time had passed since Rabbenu HaKodesh they were no longer aware of the great difference between him and what followed as they had in previous generations. In the later period in which Rav Yosef and Rav Nachman lived, the public would conclude either that humility and yiras cheit are no longer relevant or their leaders didn’t have it. If they would reach this conclusion then they would no longer view the leaders of the generation with the appropriate respect, awe or admiration.

In a similar vein, the Alter Rebbe in the first perek of the Tanya brings Abaya’s objection to Rabbah’s referring to himself as a benoni. The Tanya over the first 12 perakim explains the definitions of tzadik, rasha and benoni before concluding the true meaning of Rabbah’s statement. Abaya’s intention in his objection however was to say that if you are not an example of the true tzaddik then what will be with the rest of us. What will become of us and what will we aspire toward?

The lesson from this sicha is a clear message to those who say that the mashpiim of this generation are incomparable to the previous generation. While there may be important differences, nevertheless it isn’t proper to undermine the importance of their influence for our generation. They may be very aware themselves of these important differences. Nevertheless, they in this generation, as Rav Yosef and Rav Nachman in theirs are concerned to have a positive impact upon their student’s and communities. They have a valuable contribution to make and holding them in positive regard enables them to be properly effective in their respective roles. If we do not take this seriously we place this essential link in peril (chas v’Shalom) which answers many questions as to how we have arrived at our present situation.

Through our strengthening in the fulfillment of the Rebbe’s directive of asei lecha Rav, we will be zoche to continue to follow in the path of chassidus and the ways of chassidim. Through this may we merit to the complete hisgalus of the ultimate leader, Moshiach, immediately. A good Shabbos

(adapted from Toras Menachem, Shabbos parshas Bamidbar 5 Sivan 5724)