The Definition of a ZADDIK

B"H

I would like to start a discussion defining the true meaning of a ZADDIK (righteous Jew). In chassidic circles a Rebbe is mostly seen as a ZADDIK. A person who has a close relationship to G - d because this person is so terribly pious and doesn't really live in our lower physical spheres. A ZADDIK always walks in the way of G - d, Torah and anything holy you can imagine. You can believe that every Rebbe is a ZADDIK or you may not ... However, the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745 - 1812), had a slightly different understanding of what a ZADDIK is. At least, according to his famous book called TANYA. 

 

Already at the beginning of the first chapter, the Alter Rebbe (also called "Ba'al HaTanya"), gives his own definition of a ZADDIK: 

A ZADDIK is a person who has totally overcome his Yetzer HaRah (the negative side in each of us). Meaning that no temptation whatsoever is able to pull him down but he is able to stick to his pious way and thus, to G - d. 

Basically the Book of Tanya is teaching a Jew how to become a BENONI (an intermediate who is neither a RASHA - evil person - nor a ZADDIK). Our goal has to be striving to become a BENONI who still has his Yetzer HaRah but, in a way, is trying his best to overcome it. At least sometimes.

This definition of the Alter Rebbe seems a bit strange to me. Actually I like his definition but it simply seems to be so impossible of reaching the ZADDIK level today. Just look around and tell me who is able to withdraw himself into holiness only. I hardly see any chassidic Rebbe doing this, as they have to deal with all those worldy community matters. Let alone finances and power quarrels.

My question is how the Alter Rebbe got to his conclusion whereas other Rabbis define a ZADDIK as a righteous person but don't necessarily stress to get rid of his Yetzer HaRah. 

Where were the Forefathers buried ?

B"H

You may call me a heretic but, nevertheless, I don't think that every Kever (grave) of one of our forefathers is really his / her grave. I have strong doubts whether today's grave of Aharon (Moshe's brother) in Jordan, the grave of Yosef in Shechem (Nablus) or the grave of Rachel (Immenu - our foremother) are the authentic graves. How do we know the exact locations after

thousands of years ?

What if Kever Rachel (Rachel's grave) is a few kilometres further away or even many miles ? How are we supposed to know where Aharon is buried ?

I heard that a Jordanian Arab is in charge of Aharon's grave. Once you get there you have to rent a donkey and climb up a mountain. If the Arab on top is in the mood or you are willing to bribe him, he may show you Aharon's grave.

The truth we will only find out when the resurrection of the death is going to take place. 

What a surprise when some woman is jumping out of Rachel's grave and Rachel is getting up at a completely location.:-)

When a Righteous Person dies

B"H

The Gemara (rabbinic discussions) in Talmud Megillah 15a teaches us:

And Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Chanina:

When a righteous person is lost (dies), he is only lost to his generation, for his soul lives on. This can be analogized to a person who lost a pearl - it continues to exist. Thus, in effect, it is only lost to its owner.

Here, the Gemara is referring to a "righteous" but, however, maybe some people who are in mourning at the moment, may find some comfort in this.

The Talmudic commentator Maharsha states:

During his lifetime a righteous man protects the members of his generations (through his deeds). When he dies this protection lost, but his soul lives on in the next world (here: the spiritual world of the souls).

Kever Yosef - Yosef's Grave

Do we really know the graves of the Zaddikim ?

B"H

Are we totally sure that the graves of certain Zaddikim (righteous) are really their graves ? I mean how can we tell for sure that today's Rachel's grave is really Rachel's grave ? Maybe it is the grave of someone else and Rachel's grave is located somewhere next to it. A bit more far away but in the area.

How do we know that Yosef's grave is at exactly the same location where we find it today ? Or where we believe it is. Maybe it is somewhere else ?
The same with Aharon's grave or the sons of Yaakov (see small picture on top with Ruven's grave).

I believe that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi) has his grave where it is today or Rabbi Akiva. But I am not sure about the sons of Yaakov or Kever Rachel. From where do we know the exact location ? From tradition ?

The most controversial discussion has been taking place about the grave of King David on Mount Zion (Jerusalem). Wasn't it the Catholic church deciding where the grave is ? And why do we believe the church ?

Sometimes I keep on telling myself that either the grave are at the right location or that many Jews only want to believe so in order to pray or have something to hold on / touch.

Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu

Har Nebo

B"H

Today (Tuesday) is the 7th Adar and we are celebrating the birthday as well as the Yahrzeit (the day someone passed away) of Moshe Rabbeinu. It is said that he died at the age of 120 years. Until today, we don't know the exact place of his grave, as G - d didn't want the Jews making pilgrimages to Moshe's grave and maybe start worshipping him.
And as the location of Moshe's grave is unknown, it is customary to remember other people who passed away and their relatives don't know the exact location of their burial place. Holocaust victims, for instance or people whose grave might be in the ocean.

Link:

The Orthodox Union on Adar

Zipi Livni and the Zaddik of Stefanesti

B"H

The front page of today's secular newspapers are showing a picture of Zipi Livni lighting a candle (Ner Zikaron) at the grave of the Admor of Stefanesti (Rabbi Avraham Mattetiyahu Friedman, 1846 - 1933). Chassidut Stefanesti has its origins in Romania and Rebbe Avraham Mattetiyahu is buried in Givatayim near Tel Aviv.

Obviously Zipi Livni was praying for some support from the upper worlds, as tonight, President Shimon Peres is going to decided if Zipi or Bibi are given the chance of building a government.

However, the haredi forum world gossiped about Zipi Livni being illiterate and see why:



Zipi Livni lighting the candle at the grave but she doesn't pay attention that there is a sign right in front of her saying that lighting candles is forbidden.



Look at the yellow sign from the fire department !

However, Zipi doesn't care about the fire department rules when it comes to becoming prime minister.

Great Pictures from famous Graves

B"H

A haredi forum published some great pictures of Rachel's grave, the Ma'harat HaMachpela in Hebron as well as the grave of Shmuel HaNavi (the Prophet Samuel).



At Rachel's grave (Kever Rachel)

Israeli security wall between Rachel's grave and Bethlehem (Beit Lechem)

The "Maharat HaMachpela - Grave of our forefathers / mothers" in Hebron

It says on the curtain: Yitzchak and Rivka (Rebekka)

The grave of Shmuel HaNavi (the Prophet Samuel) near Jerusalem

Jerusalem surrounding


All pictures view here !

Fixing Rabbi Shimon's Grave

B"H

The grave of Rabbi Shimon HaZaddik in Jerusalem underwent some reparations and here are a few pictures of the new site. Maybe one of you can see any new changes, however, I don't. Although I have been spending so many years in Jerusalem, unfortunately, it never turned out for me visiting the grave.

Rabbi Shimon HaZaddik was a "Cohen HaGadol - High Priest" during the time of the Second Temple and he is considered to be the last righteous Cohen HaGadol; after he passed away, all his successors just ended up in corruption.



The grave can be found across the Ma'alot Dafna neighbourhood. Cross the main road coming from the Old City and leading to the French Hill. Today, the site is controvertial because the Arabs claim that the site belongs to them. Don't ask me why, as I am unable of following their weird propaganda ideas.




Link:

All pictures can be viewed here !