Following our recent editorial on the crucial need for allowing the Rabbonim to lead and for us not to weaken their influence (even if an individual has specific qualms), we bring you a unique handwritten maineh of the Rebbe which was released just a few months ago.
Someone had apparently written to the Rebbe that he had claims against certain Rabbonim, and he would therefore not follow their instructions. The Rebbe replied with the following in his own handwriting:
It is well known that:
1) I don’t engage in Dinei Torah or the like, and whoever turns to me regarding this I refer to Rabbonim.
2) I instruct everyone – to fulfill the rulings of Rabbonim, and if he has complaints on the ruling – it is up to the Rabbonim to decide if there is substance to his complaint etc. But ch”v ch”v for every person who has a complaint on the psak of a Rov should act to the contrary following his own understanding – something which is against Shulchan Aruch, etc.
I read your letter and the included documents, and in response:
1) Regarding your claims against so-and-so – you must, as explained above, call him to a Rov who will give a psak after hearing everyone’s arguments and clarify them.
2) You include copies of the Rabbonim’s psak and their letter. Yet, you write in your letter that you are doing in practice the very opposite and that you have written to the community residents that you are doing this. You explain at length your reasoning that the Rabbonim are mistaken and that you have complaints against them and you are right, and this is why you are acting expressly as it seems to you. [You write that] you are making an effort that others should do so as well etc. and you include copies of the letters that you sent out.
I was simply shaken and shocked to read and learn of such conduct. I don’t have the words in my mouth to express the import of such behavior. This should suffice.
You will certainly request the Rabbonim immediately for 1) forgiveness, 2) a tikkun [rectification] for the past, 3) instructions for the future.
