3 Tammuz Special: Former Chief Rabbi: The Rebbe Was the Teacher and Leader for All Jews

In honor of Gimmel Tammuz Chabad.org updated TheRebbe.org site with fascinating new accounts and correspondence of the Rebbe with Presidents of the United States, Physicians, Rabbis, Philanthropists and Jewish Leaders. Click here to read the fascinating accounts and correspondence.

When you sat in the Rebbe’s presence, it was as if there was no one and nothing else in this world. He had a humble abode, a simple chair, a simple office. The entire day and night he studied Torah and was active in communal service, I do not know when he ate and slept…

In our private conversations we spoke about many issues—many of which cannot be revealed until this very day—regarding the unique challenges that face the Jewish nation.

It was intriguing that the Rebbe knew minute details of what was happening in the land of Israel, as if he lived in Israel. He knew for example that in this and this city there are issues with the mikvah (ritual bath), or that they need assistance in a certain communal area. There are so many instances of this happening in our audiences, written correspondence and phone conversations.

And through our various meetings I came to understand that he knew what was happening across the globe just like he knew what was happening in Israel. He knew the issues that affected every country and city—as if he lived there.

G-d showed kindness to our generation by giving us the Rebbe. I was worried, however, that after the Rebbe’s passing the structure that he built would, G-d forbid, crumble. But thank G d there is a continuation. There is a Chabad House in every place that I visit. Everywhere in the world, even in the farthest location, Chabad is there—even more than before his passing. There is a continuation.

We need to constantly examine our actions and ask ourselves: Is this what the Rebbe would tell me to do? We should envision the Rebbe looking at us, and ask ourselves: What would he say? Would he approve? We need to act as if we are standing in the Rebbe’s presence.

I miss the Rebbe; it is painful to go to the Rebbe’s gravesite. But the Rebbe left us his teachings, instructions how to continue in his ways—and Chabad is following his direction.

Click here to read the rest of the article by Former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu.