Why do we need a Tzaddik? Aren't we all Holy?
Korach
One of the central pillars of Chassidus is the role of a Rebbe or Tzaddik. The Zohar teaches that the Tzaddik is the Yesod Olam, the foundation of the world. The world exists in the merit of the righteousness of Tzaddikim and all of the blessings, spiritual and material, come into the world through them.
By being connected to Tzaddikim, learning from them and being connected to them, we receive our Hashpaa from on High.
Many people question this idea. Every Jew has their own connection to Hashem, so why do we need to have Tzaddikim?
This was the basis for the rebellion of Korach. Korach claimed “all of the people are holy and Hashem is in their midst, so why do you (Moshe) lift yourself above the congregation of Hashem?”
Korach was right, but he was also very wrong.
Hashem is in the midst of every Jew. We each possess a Neshama which is a part of the Divine within us which connects us to Hashem.
But for the vast majority, it is hidden within us. It lies dormant under the layers of our Yetzer Hara, the physical existence of our bodies, the worldly struggles and challenges that we face.
Tzaddikim live a life of deep connection to Hashem. Their souls are revealed within them and they live above the concealment and challenges of a physical existence.
If we open ourselves to their influence and teachings, they can guide us and enable us to access the spark of Divinity within us, so that the connection to Hashem that we already possess comes from the state of potential, to actualisation.
By being connected to Tzaddikim, learning from them and being connected to them, we receive our Hashpaa from on High.
Many people question this idea. Every Jew has their own connection to Hashem, so why do we need to have Tzaddikim?
This was the basis for the rebellion of Korach. Korach claimed “all of the people are holy and Hashem is in their midst, so why do you (Moshe) lift yourself above the congregation of Hashem?”
Korach was right, but he was also very wrong.
Hashem is in the midst of every Jew. We each possess a Neshama which is a part of the Divine within us which connects us to Hashem.
But for the vast majority, it is hidden within us. It lies dormant under the layers of our Yetzer Hara, the physical existence of our bodies, the worldly struggles and challenges that we face.
Tzaddikim live a life of deep connection to Hashem. Their souls are revealed within them and they live above the concealment and challenges of a physical existence.
If we open ourselves to their influence and teachings, they can guide us and enable us to access the spark of Divinity within us, so that the connection to Hashem that we already possess comes from the state of potential, to actualisation.