Derher: A Historic Transition

Immediately following the Frierdiker Rebbe’s histalkus, Chassidim’s eyes turned towards the Rebbe in the hope that he would agree to succeed the position and be memale-makom.

Perhaps the earliest hint to these feelings is found in a letter penned by Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov after news of the histalkus reached him in England.

He concluded his letter with the words “והשי”ת ינחמנו במנחם”, expressing the hope that the Chassidim be comforted with the Rebbe agreeing to accept the nesius.

A similar response was reported from Eretz Yisroel as well.

While Chassidim sat shiva in the Lubavitcher shul in Tel-Aviv, Reb Avrohom Pariz stood up and announced that no one is to feel dejected, because the [Frierdiker] Rebbe had left them with his son-in-law [the Rebbe].

“Understandably,” continued Reb Avrohom, “due to his great humility he will try to evade the position, but Chassidim must pledge their hiskashrus to him, and plead with him to accept the nesius.”

And so it was, the Rebbe refused to officially accept the nesius for a full year, while Chassidim tried with all their might to prevail that the Rebbe would accept it.

As we come closer to Yud Shevat, read about the events of the year between the Frierdiker Rebbe’s histalkus and the Rebbe’s Kabolas Hanesius.

Stay tuned for the next email in the Yud Shevat series…