Editing Make yourself a Rabbi (section)

== The Rebbe's Innovation ==
For thousands of years Jews have studied Pirkei Avot during summer Shabbatot, but there was never a widespread practice for each person to make for themselves a private, personal Rav.

The directive "Make for yourself a Rav" appears twice in Pirkei Avot. Once it states "Make for yourself a Rav and remove yourself from doubt," and a second time it states "Make for yourself a Rav and acquire for yourself a friend." The rabbis and teachers of instruction who have served the Jewish people throughout history were meant to remove doubt. Any Jew who encountered any doubt would approach a Rav to resolve the doubt.

There is another type of Rav, which is like 'acquire for yourself a friend': Sometimes, there are no doubts about a certain matter, and the person knows well that a certain action is not appropriate, but finds it difficult to actualize the soul powers needed to overcome the inclination. In such a case, one doesn't turn to the city rabbi - only a personal Rav, similar to a friend, can help in such a case. To them one can go and pour out their heart, bring them into confidence about their spiritual struggle, and receive strength and encouragement in the spiritual battle.