אות - ריא

Some of the Rebbe’s enemies spread a rumor that all his teachings were handed down to him by his grandfather, Rabbi Nachman Horodenker. The Rebbe thought that this was ludicrous.

He made a joke of the absurdity of this rumor, saying, “My grandfather must surely have been good to me to have left me lessons befitting each occasion, no matter what occasion. They all fit what people need to hear, whether on Shabbat Chanukah or Shabbat Nachamu or whatever other time I speak …. I am able to take the lesson and include in it everyone’s present needs, both spiritually and materially, as well as current events….”

We ourselves could see that the Rebbe’s lessons contained what each of the listeners needed to hear. It was perfectly obvious and happened many times. His lessons had everything that we needed for both body and soul. Each lesson wove all this in with our present needs and with everything else that was happening in the world. This is aside from the wondrously unique way in which each lesson came about. Anyone with even a little intelligence could see that it was the living word of God, 316 Jeremiah 23:36. Cf. Gittin 6b; Eruvin 13b. revealed to the Rebbe from on high. It obviously came from the highest possible source and stood on an awesome holy plateau. For these lessons contained absolutely new concepts never before revealed to the world.

How could one even consider the ridiculous idea that these lessons originated with the Rebbe’s grandfather, Rabbi Nachman Horodenker? How could he have bequeathed so many stories, lessons and discussions, as well as all the advice the Rebbe constantly gave us? And why did these lessons reach only the Rebbe? Why is it that no one elsewhere heard of his grandfather’s original teachings? Who is such a fool as to believe such absurdity?

The Rebbe also said that those who knew Rabbi Nachman Horodenker knew that his grandfather was not capable of revealing such lessons. Although his grandfather was an extraordinary, holy tzaddik, he was not an outstanding, innovative scholar (see “ His Wisdom ” #76) . He would certainly not be capable of originating the unique ideas contained in the Rebbe’s teachings.

A very old man from Slafkovitz who knew Rabbi Nachman Horodenker personally once came here and visited the Rebbe. The Rebbe said, “It is rumored that my teachings originated with my grandfather, Rabbi Nachman. If my grandfather himself would hear my teachings, he would also consider them uniquely original ….”