Rebbes in Judaism are religious spiritual leaders, members of the chasidic movement and beloved figures. The role of a Rebbe is deep – one must first look to their background and the many aspects of a Rebbe in Jewish life and faith. To begin, a Rebbe is a mediator between God and the Jewish people. They are thought to be chosen by God to mediate for the collective community, spiritual matters and individual matters. They are deeply bonded to the community and to the holiness of the land. A Rebbe’s life is mostly dedicated to prayer and teaching, guiding their own followers while they strive to reach a moral and spiritual standing.
Rebbes are given much respect as they are considered knowledgeable and wise in mystical, kabbalistic and Jewish Law. In chasidut, or chasidism, there is a system of “claiming” a Rebbe as one’s own spiritual leader (often done through lineage). It is believed that their teachings are inspired by their rebbe’s own teacher, or rebbe before them, reaching all the way back to Moses. It is said that those who follow their Rebbe faithfully, will be rewarded in this lifetime and the next. Rebbes tend to be quite humble and are known for their philanthropy and dedication to social action. It is their job to interpret and spread the word of Torah and also to interpret it in a modern context.
The Rebbe is a teacher, but also a guide – providing spiritual counsel and leadership. Rebbes are believed to have a special connection to people, ministries and the entire community, devoting significant energy and resources to it. Rebbes provide lessons in gentility, embodying humility and responsibility for others.
Chasidic Rebbes traditionally taught their followers stories, often making up stories to convey a message or a mixture of both true and made up anecdotes. Rebbes often taught inside the Beis Medrash, a study hall or synagogue, while wearing a large black hat to signify his special relationship with God. In addition, Rebbes often had a specific tune they use while they would publicly speak.
The rebbes are also strong believers in charity and righteousness. They take the commandment to love the stranger (Leviticus 19:34) very seriously and are not afraid to speak out on social issues, encouraging humanity and justice. They actively work with numerous charities and welfare programs.
Finally, Rebbes are incredibly powerful figures who play a crucial role in establishing the aura of Judaism for countless Jews in the world. Their teachings are a source of inspiration and guidance for many. Followers of Rebbes feel deeply connected to their Rebbe and their rebbe’s traditions. They act as personal teachers and guides and their expertise and significance to the entire community should not be ignored.
Sufism & Kabbalah
Sufism, the mystical arm of Islamic practice, has much influence in Jewish mysticism, often referred to as Kabbalah. Kabbalah attempts to unveil secrets embedded in the Torah. Rebbes have studied many texts and teachings of Kabbalah and have also been known to channel divine power through their teachings and experiences. The Rebbe is considered a master of Kabbalah and a deep understanding of the hidden meanings of the Torah. Kabbalah contains teachings that the Rebbe can draw on, inspiring guidance and application.
Kabbalah deals primarily with the spiritual realm, where branches of knowledge like astrology and numerology are used to seek knowledge in the occult. Kabbalah also has teachings about reincarnation, spiritual development and purification from within. Through a Rebbe, one can explore the spiritual realm and gain insights into this hidden wisdom.
The main objective of Kabbalah is to understand the relationship between the Creator and His creations. Rebbes use the teachings of Kabbalah to study the divine will and to reveal ways to alter and improve the hidden spiritual realms.
The key concept of Kabbalah is the notion of ‘Divine emanation,’ meaning the belief that reality changes all the time and even at any given time is in a state of change. Through a Rebbe’s teachings, followers are able to grasp a deeper understanding of reality and the spiritually hidden world.
Rebbes & Other Faith Characters
Rebbes have been connected with figures from other religious traditions, such as the Dalai Lama of Buddhism, Sufi Sages of Islam, and the Pope of Catholicism. These Rebbes often serve parallel roles aiding spiritual seekers, providing guidance to their communities, discussing topics of faith, and relying on their experts in Kabbalah and rabbinic texts. The parallels between Rebbes and other faith characters provides ample opportunity to grow, exchange ideas and form communal unity.
The Rabbis have a long standing tradition of comparing and contrasting topics which appear to be dissimilar on the surface. This serves as an excellent opportunity to participate in constructive interfaith dialogue and to foster an exchange of ideas between multiple faiths.
Rebbes are often present at interfaith conferences, or conversely, serve as a religious leader in an interfaith setting. These events provide the perfect opportunity to examine religious topics from multiple angles and gain valuable insights into one another’s religious beliefs and practices.
Rebbes & Zionism
Rebbes were avid Zionists, believing in the restoration of the the Land of Israel. Rebbes were influenced by the teachings of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, who sought to renew Jewish sovereignty and for the Jewish people to reclaim their homeland.
Rebbes supported and encouraged the establishment of Israel in 1948, though some Rebbes were apprehensive of what modernity could bring to the country. Rebbes provided moral and spiritual guidance for settlements in the new country and offered emotional and spiritual counsel for the Jewish nation.
In recent years, Rebbes have continued to help shape the Jewish state, by becoming increasingly vocal where social and political matters involving Jews in Israel, and the diaspora shows. Rebbes continue to support religious Zionism and the national pride in the State of Israel.
Rebbes & aliyah
In addition to Zionism, Rebbes taught devout Jews to move to Israel and take part in the physical reestablishment of the Jewish nation. They encouraged their followers to make aliyah or move to the land of Israel.
The Rebbe taught that to be a leader of one’s community is a holy calling, which means re-establishing the Jewish nation in the Land of Israel and bringing the Jewish people closer to God. The Rebbe argued that this was the only way to achieve true security and freedom from exile.
This focus on aliyah was so revolutionary and popular, that some say there would have been no mass aliyah movement had it not been for Rebbes teaching it. The Rebbe’s view was that, in order to fulfill one’s responsibility to God and the Jewish nation, one must live in Israel, wherever possible.
Rebbes & Today’s World
In today’s world, the Rebbe’s views are still very relevant, and his teachings often guide communities in the decisions they make. For example, Rebbes may provide spiritual guidance for charitable organizations, help families in mourning, or be consulted for matters of Jewish law.
The Rebbe’s influence is still felt in many ways, from the daily interactions that follow their teachings, the movement that the Rebbe created, and the chasidic lifestyle that carries on in his memory. Rebbes are a valuable tool in the mission of spreading Judaism throughout the world and are guides to Jews in any and every circumstance.
Rebbes & Education
Rebbes have always been heavily involved in the educational sphere. Rebbes often personally taught, provided advice, and raised funds for Jewish schools. They have promoted the importance of Torah study, the pursuit of knowledge, and the return of Jews to their homeland.
Rebbes have been instrumental in maintaining Jewish education and supporting Jewish educators. They have encouraged their followers to encourage their children to be educated in Hebrew schools and to learn the Jewish religious laws. They have also provided skilled teachers and other resources for Jewish schools.
Today, Rebbes continue to promote the importance of education and inspire through their own knowledge. Rebbes are deeply respected and cherished by their followers, and the tradition of Rebbe is still a strong presence today. They are a source of wisdom and guidance, a comforting and beloved figure in local communities, and a beacon of hope and peace for the Jewish nation.
