The Power of a Brotherly Chassidishe Fabrengen
Part Two
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
Last week’s article discussed the saying, “That which a Chassidishe Fabrengen can accomplish even Malach Michoel cannot accomplish.” People often say that this is a great statement, but want to know how it can be possible.
The answer to this question can be found in a letter (v.3 page 413-414) from the Previous Rebbe where he explains a mashal from the Alter Rebbe told by Reb Hillel in the name of Reb Zalmen Zezmer.
The Alter Rebbe says that children tend to desire every good thing only for themselves. They don’t even worry about others. Not only are they scrupulous on their own articles, but by nature they are also jealous of what their friends have. Because of this they get angry have a tendency towards looking upon others with the left eye and gravitate towards unbecoming character traits. From such children a father suffers great anguish. As a father tries to improve the education of his children he seeks out good teachers and guides that can be effective and can give their children proper guidance and education. Over time improvement occurs and positive character traits such as care, friendship, love and peace become apparent. As growth continues, the child attains a desire to seek out the good of his friend just as if it were himself, leaving his own concerns on the side and becoming completely occupied with the needs of his friend. At this point, the father is filled with great pleasure and nachas seeing the good character traits that his children were successful in acquiring. This is in addition to the good reward he bestows in a refined way upon the teacher and guide that has properly guided his children in a good way of life. Reb Zalman Zezmer ended this mashal by saying that when chassidim bless each other it arouses greater compassion on high than the arousal of compassion elicited by Malach Michoel.
After Reb Hillel recounted that which he heard from Reb Zalman Zezmer, he reflected out loud and said the following. After hearing this mashal I reflect upon the holy statement, “That which a chassidishe good brotherly fabrengen can accomplish, even Malach Michoel cannot accomplish,” in a new light. Not only can the bracha that chassidim give each other during a fabrengen bring about physical blessing of children, life and parnassa, in an even greater measure than the recommendation of Malach Michoel on high; a chassidishe fabrengen brings spiritual improvement to the conduct and lifestyle of their children and this brings nachas ruach on high until the highest height.