Unity of Chassidim

Unity of Chassidim is an expression that describes the special brotherhood felt by Chassidim among their friends. Our Rebbeim attribute special importance and unique qualities to this unity, to the extent that the Tzemach Tzedek said that this unity will lead the Chassidim until the coming of Moshiach.

Source of the ExpressionEdit

The source of the expression 'Unity of Chassidim' is from a story which the Rebbe mentioned many times. When the Tzemach Tzedek traveled in the year 5603 (1843) to the rabbinical assembly in Petersburg, he stood firmly against the government representatives. When he returned from the assembly, he was asked how he could have put himself in danger. Even if he wasn't concerned about himself and was ready for self-sacrifice, at the very least he should have thought about the Chassidim!

To this the Tzemach Tzedek responded that "the unity of Chassidim will lead them until the coming of Moshiach."

Unity of Chassidim in Previous GenerationsEdit

Already in the first generation of the establishment of Chabad Chassidus, the Alter Rebbe demanded from his Chassidim, and it was his desire that all Chassidim should be like one family, according to Torah, and with love. He guided them to relate to each other like different limbs of one body, that despite the great differences between the limbs, it is specifically when the limbs work together that the body can exist and live. Indeed, his desire was fulfilled and in that period, the love between Chassidim was greater than the love between brothers, and those who were not counted among the Chassidic community would wish for themselves that brotherly love would be like the love of Chassidim.

This continued in the generation of the Mitteler Rebbe, and he even deepened it further to the extent that our Rebbeim expressed that he gave his soul so that Chassidim would live in true love.

The Frierdiker Rebbe describes that the Chassidic involvement and family feeling was in past generations to such an extent that a Chassid could travel specially from town to town just to inquire about the welfare of his friend and to take interest in the simplest family matters.

Despite what is implied from the writings of our Rebbeim and stories of the Chassidim about the tremendous unity that prevailed among Chassidim in previous generations, the Rebbe expressed that even in these periods, the unity was not complete to the fullest extent.

References of Our Rebbeim to the TopicEdit

The Tzemach Tzedek expressed that when love prevails among Chassidim as instructed by the Alter Rebbe and his successors - their blessings have the power to draw down and effect like the blessing of "Shema Koleinu" in the Shemoneh Esrei. The Frierdiker Rebbe said that friendship and love among Chassidim is their first nature, and a Chassid who lacks this is a blemished Chassid. When Chassidim conduct themselves with love and unity, they cause infinite pleasure to the Rebbe, and this is the entire purpose of Chassidut that our Rebbeim sacrificed themselves to implant among Chassidim.

The Rebbe addressed this topic frequently, and already at the first farbrengen when the Rebbe formally accepted the leadership, the Rebbe said that when Chassidim who are connected to the Rebbe are united, it will be possible to fulfill the Rebbe's will and bring the Geulah without any hindrances. The way to achieve peace and unity among Chassidim is through joy. The power of a niggun sung in Chassidic unity can straighten the crookedness in the heart, and the difficulty in achieving unity is proof of its importance.

Despite the differences between one Chassid and another, the Rebbe expressed that "the Rebbe's wagon is large enough, there is room for all Chassidim".

The Rebbe was displeased with behavior causing separation even when the intention was for the sake of Heaven, and even if it was done with agreement rather than discord - it is inappropriate for Chassidim to be divided and separated.

The Rebbe suggested that when there is a disagreement, each side should thoroughly study the Kuntres HaChaltzu, and when they gather together, the Kuntres should be placed on the table, thereby reminding those gathered about the importance of unity.

The Negative AspectEdit

Many times when disunity among Chassidim was revealed, the Rebbe expressed his immense pain and the loss that results from it, in preventing the receipt of heavenly blessings, both in communal matters and in the personal matters of each individual. One who behaves in a way that disturbs unity among Chassidim is considered as harming himself and others, and damages the receipt of blessings and divine influence, especially in matters of parnasah. In a rare style, the Rebbe expressed in a response from 1982: "If all Chabad askanim would be united, Moshiach would have come long ago, and therefore the Yetzer Hara rages in ways and with temptations that are completely against logic..."

Awakening to Enhance Unity Among ChassidimEdit

A book published during the awakening following the coronavirus pandemic, with letters and responses from the Rebbe about unity.

In light of the great importance that the Rebbe attributes to the unity of Chassidim, many actions have been taken over the years to increase unity among Chassidim.

After 27 Adar Rishon 5752 (5752/1992) and 3 Tammuz 5754 (5754/1994), differences of opinion were recorded among Chassidim regarding methods of action and approaches to many matters, which caused friction and disputes. Because of this, Chassidim are required to make greater efforts to enhance unity among Chassidim despite the different opinions.

After the tragedy of the Chabad Chassidic family in 5767 (5767/2007) when three yeshiva students were killed in an accident on their way to Mivtza Chanukah, the Unity Committee was established by the Rebbe's shluchim to Eretz HaKodesh. This committee worked to gather all Chabad yeshiva students from around the country, as well as a series of additional initiatives to strengthen unity.

In 5771 (5771/2011), a special awakening was recorded among the Chassidim, with one of the prominent expressions being a joint interview of the chairman of the Hisachdus HaChassidim organization in the Kfar Chabad weekly, who led the 'Ayeka' campaign together with a group of askanim, who worked for a joint awakening of Chabad Chassidim around points on which there is broad agreement.

In 5780 (5780/2020), following the coronavirus that caused the deaths of many Chassidim worldwide, including many shluchim, a widespread unity initiative spread among the shluchim, led by Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.

Similarly, in 5782 (5782/2022), in honor of one hundred and twenty years, unity was established in the parade of tanks that takes place every year throughout New York - to greet Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

External LinksEdit

All of Us as One, a book comprehensively collecting the Rebbe's talks and references to the subject
As One Family, in Sichat HaShavua issue 881