Template:Portal:Rebbes of Chabad/Introduction
The monumental task of revealing to the Jewish people and the entire world the great light of the inner teachings of the Torah was entrusted by the Creator of the world to our teacher The Baal Shem Tov, the first president of general Chassidism. He was the source of inspiration and the sole address for every Jew who wanted to join this wonderful path in serving God.
After his passing, his great disciple The Maggid of Mezritch took his place, and one of his younger students, The Alter Rebbe, rose and became the first president of the Chabad Chassidic movement – the first link in a chain that illuminated the world for seven generations, until the seventh president of our generation, the Rebbe.
The Rebbe is the head and heart of the Chassidus; the Rebbe's residence is the center of Chassidus, and the Rebbe's work is the work of Chassidus and every individual Chassid. In every settlement of its members, the hearts of the Chassidim are drawn to the center of Chassidus, the Rebbe's residence. And even there, everything revolves around the conduct of the Rebbe's home. This is how the history of Chabad Chassidus has been woven from generation to generation.
In general Chassidus, all the work of the Chassid is expressed in faith and hiskashrus to the Rebbe. Chabad Chassidus, however, requires personal inner work and demands this innerness also in the relationship with the Rebbe, in addition to the burning faith and uncompromising self-nullification. Thus, in addition to his radiant spiritual persona, his advice, guidance, blessings, and the miracles that are performed through him, Chabad Chassidus adds a central component to the Rebbe's personality: an endless source of revelation of the inner teachings of the Torah, through the saying and writing of Maamarim of Chabad Chassidus. The connection to him is made through the study of his teachings.
The main task of the Chassidic leader is to strengthen Chassidus and its institutions and guide the Chassidim, as well as to expand and spread it to all segments of the Jewish people. Additionally, as the leader of all Israel, the president stands at the forefront when necessary regarding Jewish matters in general, the study of the Torah, the observance of the commandments, and proper education.