DO I REALLY NEED A REBBE?

From a listener:

I was raised in a Chabad home. None the less, given the current state of reality I don't understand what I need a Rebbe for . I find no compelling connection to have one. I follow Chabad customs and so forth, but that doesn't mean " Rebbe."

Reuvan’s Response:

Indeed it is a challenge . I think this may help shift perspective:

We relate to the Rebbe through his Torah. This is a must. At the same time this may leave us with a lot of information and data to use, but little personality to connect to. ( just like Torah in general which can be learned with or without the sense of the Giver of the Torah). Others relate to the Rebbe as a wonder man.. We praise him via the stories we hear of. Allow me to explain:

Once someone gifted the Rebbe an electronic letter opener. His intention was to save the Rebbe’s time and save him the grueling task of opening hundreds of letters a day. The Rebbe thanked him but refused the gift. " People write to me with letters sealed in tears. I cannot open their letters with a machine! Now, in truth, no one would know when the Rebbe was opening the letter or for that matter , in what method, by hand or machine.

Why did he refuse the gift? In reality the Rebbe was speaking of his obligation, the picture as it is from his side. How could I be so insensitive to open with a machine? Our go to knee jerk reaction to this and similar stories is to focus on how amazing the Rebbe is.

What if you focus in on " this is the kind of goal I want to have. To be sensitive to others, just like the Rebbe. This is the kind of Rebbe I need to have. My Rebbe.

In essence, relate to the Rebbe as a “personality” as well as a force, as a teacher, and as a leader. Shift to include the Rebbe as mentor, you will open yourself up more to “ my Rebbe.”

Reuven