By Dovid Zaklikowski for COLlive and Hasidic Archives
Chassidim in the city of Zembin had been connected to Chabad since the time of the Alter Rebbe – Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the movement. Their ranks had swelled during the time of the third Chabad Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek, and under his successor, the Rebbe Maharash, Chabad in Zembin became an important community with several well-known Chassidic figures.
Indeed, the chassidim in Zembin were so concerned with maintaining their reputation for piety that, when one member of the community began to slowly drift away from Judaism, they asked him not to attend their synagogue or participate in their Torah classes.
Zembin was in the Minsk region of White Russia, close to the town of Lubavitch, where the Rebbe Maharash resided. A chassid from the town was once visiting the Rebbe, when, during their private audience, the Rebbe suddenly enquired after the man who had abandoned observance.
“It is not necessary to discuss him,” the chassid responded. “We chased him out of the synagogue and from all the gatherings, because he is a grave sinner.” And he began to list the man’s many transgressions.
“You did not do the right thing,” the Rebbe said. “You need to befriend him. Even if your kindness will not have any effect, just that he will have ten fewer negative thoughts during the day makes it worthwhile. You need to bring him closer.”
Find Hasidic Archives latest books on HasidicArchives.com Dear Rebbe and SHADAR Touching Hearts, One Person at a Time
Great story
Just in time before tisha beav