The Other Inauguration

A true appreciation of the core principles of The Rebbe requires a working understanding of his classic theological teachings. That list is arguably topped by a discourse known simply and reverentially as "Basi Lgani" (Midrash: "I have come to my garden...my bride").

This was first taught publicly in 1951, one year after the passing of his predecessor and father-in-law, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad. The discourse, known as a "MAYMER" (exposition of deep and original Kabbalistic ideas) was taught/delivered by the Rebbe as he presided over his first public "Farbrengen" (Chasidic spiritual gathering) as leader of the Lubavitch Chasidic movement. The seventh Rebbe of Chabad is still, and will always be recognized universally as The REBBE. Even after his passing in 1994, he still inspires the adoration of a growing worldwide following, and continues to capture the imagination and hearts of "wisdom seekers" from all faiths and walks of life across the globe.

We commemorate that unique watershed moment of history: the "Inauguration" of the Rebbe; exactly 70 years ago tonight! The air around that first gathering was thick with melancholy and mystery.

Firstly, the sense of communal euphoria was unmistakable. The ascendancy of the new Rebbe was scented with the healing power of new beginnings. And yet, for the Rebbe... I can only imagine his loneliness at that moment: the only one left without a Rebbe was, of course, the Rebbe himself.

Secondly, and speaking to the above-mentioned flow of shared energy linking his teachings and principles: the title of the Rebbe's first "Maymer" was the same title as his predecessor's final "Maymer." The uniqueness of a leader who insisted on defining himself couched in the modest terms of being the continuity of his beloved predecessor, at the moment when it would seem most natural to make a statement of his unique individuality, was the one most clearly suited to preside over a universal wave of Jewish Renewal, the scope of which was beyond anything experienced in all of Jewish history heretofore.

Thank you, Rebbe, for the gift of a lifetime that enabled us to come along for the ride.