Portraits of Tzadikim
B"H
Where is the source for Pnei Melech in the Torah?
Everything has its source in the Torah. So how do we know that having a picture of the Rebbe is of supreme importance, and that based on Torah it is absolutely necessary?
This story takes us back 3,600 years ago…
Yosef, a 17 year old lad at the time, was thrown into a dark pit by his brothers. The pit was full of snakes and scorpions. Scene closes.
The next scene opens up and Yosef is being sold to the Yishmaeilim, who in turn profit by selling him to the Midyanim, until he reaches the hands of Egypt.
Egypt at that time was the superpower – the largest empire in the world. A place overwhelmed with deceit and corruption. Of all places in Egypt, Yosef was placed under the jurisdiction of "the Butcher", a man by the name of Potiphar, who is said to have been responsible for Egyptian capitol punishment!
A 17 year old boy removed from the Yeshiva walls, orphaned from his mother at a young age, was now taken from his loving father. He was lost in the most petrifying place.
Yossele was a charming and beautiful young man. Anyone and everyone was attracted to his presence. It is therefore understood why his master placed him in charge of his entire household. Potiphar's wife also had her eye on Yosef. She invested much time in scheming ways to lure Yosef into sinning, G-d forbid.
In the last moment, our Yossele, Yosef the Tzaddik, saw a picture of the Rebbe. An image of his father, Yaakov Avinu, appeared before him, and while his garment remained in her hands, Yosef was saved!
Chassidim say: the deepest essence of one's soul is not revealed in the synagogue or during study. It is revealed in one's home, when you are "alone". The Rebbe's image reminds us that we are never alone. How great that we always have somebody with us; the Rebbe.
A certain Hollywood Comedian asked a Chabad Chossid why it is a Jewish custom to have pictures of the Rebbe in our homes. He answered with a question: "do you have mirrors in your house?" "Sure. I am a comedian, and my appearance is very important. Before I leave my home, I look into mirrors from all angles to make sure every inch is in place." The Chossid said, "Yes. That is the exact answer, except that when you look into a mirror you see the way you are, and when you look into a picture of the Rebbe you see how you could be!"
This, then, is the point. Because we know, with every fiber of our being, that the Rebbe is a prophet and that the Rebbe is Melech Hamoshiach, we have placed upon ourselves this mission and this purpose. That is to ensure that in every home in the world, of Jew and gentile alike, a picture of the Rebbe will hang.
There is no doubt that this will help lift us to the recognition and Moshiach consciousness, namely, that there is nothing other then Hashem. The Creator is One.
Through looking at the picture, the dark past will dissipate and we will be awakened to bring nachas to the Rebbe. By adding one more mitzvah, and yet another, we will bring the final and complete redemption of all worlds.



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