Editing The Eternal Life of the Rebbe (section)

==== After the 3rd of Tammuz ====
Following this - when news arrived on 3rd of Tammuz 5754 about the Rebbe's disappearance from sight, appearing outwardly as passing, all Chassidim spontaneously felt such an event was impossible. Before any differences in how to receive and relate to these things, it was clear to all that the event was absurd and there was no doubt the Rebbe would immediately reveal himself as melech hamoshiach and show it was all imaginary.

When outside Chabad there were those who eulogized Chassidism along with the Rebbe and expected dissolution or severe crisis, or alternatively when calls were heard to appoint a successor to the Rebbe - all Chassidim rejected this with complete dismissal. The widespread belief wall-to-wall was (and still is) that the Rebbe continues leading Chassidism even if we don't see him; not just spiritual leadership like other righteous ones in the world of truth, but physical leadership as before.

Despite differences of opinion among Chabad Chassidim regarding the relationship to this day and event, and definition of the Rebbe's life - many Chassidim including prominent rabbis and mentors believed and believe the Rebbe is alive and existing in physical body without any change, and refused to acknowledge the event of passing which according to the Rebbe cannot occur. Especially based on the fact that originally the 3rd of Tammuz was a holiday for Chassidim following the Previous Rebbe's redemption, and even the Rebbe celebrated and marked it, always referring to it in this context.