The older ones among us remember well the learned predictions of 'researchers' and 'experts', who filled the media on the auspicious day of Tammuz 5754. They spoke knowingly about the expected disintegration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's works. The enthusiasm had died down, they explained. The emissaries would return to the warm embrace of their family and original environment. The Hasidim would scatter in all directions. And so on and so forth.
From the distance of years, one can chuckle. One can see this as further proof of the quality of the predictions provided by all sorts of 'experts,' which turn out to be far removed from reality. But one can see things in a different light.
Indeed, these were predictions based on patterns that were researched and studied elsewhere, but they did not take into account that this was a completely different matter.
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The powers 'from the Rebbe''
The years that have passed have proven that there is a different kind of power here. The Rebbe's army of emissaries has multiplied many times over. Some five thousand new emissaries have since gone out to the ends of the earth, to awaken the Jewish spark, warm souls, and build Jewish life. Each and every one of them will declare with complete naturalness: "I am an emissary of the Rebbe." Where does the power come from? - "From the Rebbe"!
Chabad communities all over the world have grown tremendously. In every corner one sees flourishing, prosperity, momentum, and building. New institutions, new initiatives, new buildings, new writings, countless new books. Chassidism is alive and vibrant, as if nothing had happened twenty-nine years ago.
The question is often asked, what is the source of strength? Where does the willingness of young couples to leave their family and their embracing natural environment and travel to the ends of the earth come from? How do they manage to raise Hasidic and God-fearing children in the most remote places? How do they get so many ordinary Hasidic people to volunteer for others, to host guests almost every Shabbat, to respond to every call and request?.
There is one answer: the Rebbe. He is the example and the model.
When you say 'The Rebbe' – you are essentially saying unwavering dedication to the people of Israel. 'The Rebbe' means accepting every Jew with open arms, and finding the positive point in the soul of each and every one. 'The Rebbe' – is a firm belief in every word written in the Torah. 'The Rebbe' – is an acknowledgment of the relevance of the Torah and the infinite lessons it contains.
A true shepherd
Masses of Jews discovered the Rebbe's miraculous light precisely during these years. You meet Jews of all faiths and backgrounds, both small and large, and they tell you with admiration that they contemplate the Rebbe's teachings and find in them an inexhaustible spring of pure water.
The Rebbe's growing influence in these years actually proves the power of the words of the Zohar that a true shepherd of Israel does not abandon the sheep of his flock, but continues to act and influence in this world, and even "will allow more than his life.".
As we approach the Day of Rejoicing, let us connect with His great light, draw handfuls from His springs, and remember the central message He sought to impart to the people of Israel, that we stand on the threshold of true and complete redemption. Let us be strengthened by walking in His path and by firm faith that our righteous Messiah will come soon in our days.
