Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shechter, leader of Breslev chassidim and Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshivas Hamekubalim “Shaar Hashamayim”, met with the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar who came to the Holy Land.
Rabbi Shechter welcomed his guest with a shining countenance and seated him at the head of the table. They conversed for a while on Torah matters, amongst which Rabbi Lazar repeated an explanation from the Rebbe on the words of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai which he said about himself “I can absolve the entire world from judgement.”
At first these words are difficult to understand, since how can Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai absolve a jew who committed a grave sin and deserves harsh punishment? The Rebbe explains that this is so because Rashbi connects with every yid, even one who is at the lowest spiritual level, and therefore he can absolve even such a person. Upon hearing this, Rabbi Shechter smiled widely and remarked that only the Rebbe can give such an explanation.
Rabbi Shechter shared that when his daughter was ill, he sent a letter with a request to the Rebbe that he daven for her. The conversation continued as he took interest in the activities of the Rebbe’s Shluchim in Russia.
When Rabbi Lazar spoke about it being evident how a yid’s Neshama suddenly awakens, since the spark is always burning deep inside – Rabbi Shechter reacted with great enthusiasm.
The fascinating dialogue touched upon a number of public matters, amongst which Rabbi Shechter expressed gratitude to Russia’s Chief Rabbi for his assistance to Breslev chassidim in Uman.
As the visit came to an end, Rabbi Shechter presented his guest with two of his new books, thanked him for the visit and walked him to the main entrance with great honor.
(צילום: מעיין ירושלים)
