It was believed by the...
Illustration
It was believed by the Hasidic tradition that a zaddik, the leader of a Hasidim, was chosen by heaven and indirectly by his teacher. If one of the great teachers died and there was a question as to which of his disciples would succeed him, the Hasidim themselves would make the decision, "feeling the will of heaven," (their relationship with the eternal). It was true as well when the zaddik left behind a son who was considered a candidate. So when the son of the zaddik who had just died was approached and he avoided assuming that honor, the rabbi asked him, "Will you take over the world?" (meaning the congregation). He replied, "Only if I have a feeling sent by heaven." The rabbi said, "But it is the Hasidim who make a rabbi." And the man replied, "I do not accept alms." He meant that he did not want to accept the gift of heaven from the hands of the congregation. That night he was blessed with a dream and he did as the angel said.
