The Lubavitcher Rebbe is usually spoken of in the context of the Shluchim enterprise he built. The incredible success of this enterprise, which has quadrupled in size and scope in the twenty-eight years since the Rebbe's passing on Tammuz 3, 1994, inspires wonder in the hearts of all.
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Only in recent months have we seen this enterprise in all its dedication and courage, among the emissaries in bombed-out Ukraine.
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However, over the years, we have noticed an equally amazing phenomenon – the personal connection of masses of Jews with the Rebbe. Just as in the past, everyone who had the privilege of meeting him personally ('Yehidit' in Hasidic parlance), seeing him in synagogue, at prayer and gathering, or passing by him handing out dollar bills for shlichut mitzvahs – speaks of the special connection that has formed in their hearts with the Rebbe; so too today we witness this special connection.
Crowds of Jews who have never met the Rebbe come to his house of worship and his resting place and feel a special connection. The same experience described by those who were privileged to enter his room, that the stones on their hearts were rolled away, and they emerged as new people – this is the description heard from those who come today to pour out their hearts to the Rebbe's four mothers.
Reverence and seriousness
It is very difficult to describe it in rational words, but everyone who stands and prays at the Rebbe's four amos feels his presence very strongly. You see it in the atmosphere of reverence and seriousness that reigns there. The people are immersed in their own world, in their own reflections, in the good decisions they make about themselves, in the requests they make.
Many come there not only to ask, but also to thank God for the good. The Rebbe used to bless Jews with the blessing of 'good news,' and the simple intention is - to announce good news. So they come to his four mothers to announce the good news - about requests that have been fulfilled, wishes that have been fulfilled, expectations that have been realized.
Even those who cannot come in person write to the Rebbe, as the Rebbe instructed after his father-in-law passed away: "You should continue to write to him, and he will find a way to answer.".
Indeed, the ways in which answers come are varied and wonderful. One receives the answer in the Rebbe's book. Another receives good advice from someone. The third receives a thought that occurs to him. The fourth receives a miraculous event of private providence that carries a clear message. And the fifth receives the solution to the problem or distress that has been weighing on him.
Time to call
We clearly see from the Zohar that the influence of a righteous man after his departure is 'Yatir Mebhiyohi' - more than his life. For before he was limited by the limitations of the body, time, and place, whereas now these limitations no longer exist, and in any case his influence can be immeasurably great and extensive.
This great and holy day is a time to strengthen our connection to the Rebbe. To make good decisions to follow in his path, out of love for Israel for every Jew. To learn more of his Torah, which contains a wondrous light that revives souls. And to work to fulfill his great vision, which he set as the destiny of our generation – the true and complete redemption through our righteous Messiah.
