In this interview, R’ Yosef Yitzchok Offen explains what the inyan of a “Rebbe” is, the need for a Rebbe in recent generations, the connection between publicizing Moshiach’s identity and hiskashrus to the Rebbe, and why we need to publicize that the Rebbe is Moshiach.
“At that moment I simply became speechless unable to loosen my tongue. This time, it was a different story – my daughters’ health weighed in the balance, and who knew if I would have another opportunity to ask the Rebbe for a bracha. I was very disappointed in myself.” An amazing story told by Rabbi Mordechai (Motty) Yadger from Tzfas about a miracle that began more than twenty years ago and reached its mesmerizing conclusion this past year.
This Shabbos (Toldos 5774) is Shabbos Mevarchim Kislev. It is the Shabbos that ushers in the month that is filled with many days of Chassidic celebration and Geula.
Exerted from the keynote address at the banquet of Kinus HaShluchim HaOlami 5753
When G-d sent Moses to Pharaoh to demand liberation for the Jewish people, Moses stated: This is what G-d said, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.”
The Chassid, R’ Meir Avtzon, was the Rebbe Rayatz’s Shadar in Russia and did much to spread Judaism in Detroit. * To mark his passing on 29 Cheshvan 5762
“R’ Shlomo Chaim was a Yid who truly lived with Moshiach,” said many of his students. “He did not merely talk about Yemos HaMoshiach and describe how the world will be then; he believed with all his heart that Moshiach was about to come.”
When the Rebbe spoke about the new avoda as a “gateway to all matters of shlichus,” it meant – whoever does the smallest action which is permeated with this point, is inside. One who is moser nefesh and puts all his efforts and energy into a major project, but is not permeated with this point, will remain outside. * Thoughts about the sicha of Parshas Chayei Sarah, said at the Kinus HaShluchim 5752, a foundational sicha for our avoda today.
The media calls them “escape tunnels”, since they were designed for illegal purposes, after all organized passageways used for smuggling goods to the Gaza Strip had been blocked off. However, these tunnels actually serve as a means for transferring explosives, tools of combat, and ammunition. Similarly, they are used for transporting large quantities of metal, which are then used to make the latest Kassam rockets for attacks upon cities in Eretz Yisroel. Those unwilling to fight against the quiet terrorism over “straw and stubble” will eventually be compelled to desecrate the Shabbos “armed with weapons of war”.
All the qualities of a previous Rebbe are assumed by the successive Rebbe. Each Nasi is the memale mekomo u’maalaso of the preceding Rebbe, he is his successor in terms of taking on his role as well as in terms of possessing all his virtues. Also, he introduces something unique of his own.
Another installment about the special shlichus performed by R’ Zalman Chanin and R’ Laibel Zajac, to print the Tanya in Russia. * Two extraordinary private audiences with the Rebbe. * Part 5
By constantly reviewing the last “Sicha” of Yaakov, Yosef was able to receive the necessary strength to remain strong. He internalized the message of “egla arufa” and that gave him strength.
Why did the Rebbe Rashab meet with a team of writers and journalists? How did the Rebbe and R’ Chaim Soloveitchik enter the train compartment? Why were the Rebbe and his son incognito in Baranowitz for an entire Shabbos? How many talmidim were accepted to Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim out of the 150 who wanted to attend the yeshiva? * A compilation of stories about the Rebbe Rashab from the year 5670, presented for his birthday on Chaf Cheshvan.
October 29, 2013