635 —מהות נשיא חב"ד וטבע השפעתו

B"H, Shalom u'Vrachah!

Many seek out and explain the virtues and greatness of the Chabad leaders in general, and especially our generation's Nasi, namely my revered father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m, in various areas: a man of self-sacrifice, a genius, a person of character traits, a tzaddik, one with ruach hakodesh (Divine inspiration), accustomed to miracles, and so on. These praises are even greater when defined through Chassidus: what is mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice), what is genius, etc. Yet with all this—the main point is missing.

Moreover, this main point is not only essential in itself but is especially important because it affects us most—particularly for us, his chassidim and those connected to him. This is: that he is the Nasi—the leader—and the Nasi of Chabad.

A Nasi in general is called "Rosh Alfei Yisrael" (head of thousands of Israel); he is like the head and brain relative to them, from whom they receive their nourishment and life-force. Through connecting to him, they are bound and united at their root above.

There are several types among leaders: some whose influence is internal (penimiyus), others whose influence is encompassing (makif). Even within this there are differences: whether they influenced in revealed Torah or hidden Torah or both together; whether they taught paths in service and Chassidus; whether they drew down material blessings; etc. There are those who had several or even all these qualities.

This has been the way of leadership among Chabad leaders from my revered ancestor the Alter Rebbe until my revered father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m—including all types and distinctions: they influenced both internally and externally; in Torah, service, and acts of kindness; spiritually and materially. Thus their connection with those attached to them encompassed all 613 limbs of soul and body.

Each one of us must know—meaning deeply contemplate—that he is truly our Nasi and head; from him and through him come all influences both materially and spiritually. Through connecting to him (and he has already instructed in his letters how this connection happens), we become bound and united at our root and its very source above.

Summary

The true essence of a Chabad Nasi lies not just in personal greatness but in being the source through which spiritual and material blessings flow to chassidim. Deep connection to the Nasi unites one with higher spiritual roots.