He Didn't See Who I Was—He Saw Who I Could Be

When I was twelve years old, I found myself standing just a few feet from the Rebbe during a large Chassidic gathering - a moment captured in my current WhatsApp profile picture.

In the intervals between the Rebbe’s scholarly teachings and Chassidic discourses, the thousands in attendance would sing soul-stirring melodies. During one of these moments, the Rebbe turned his gaze toward me. It felt like an eternity. As you can see in the video of that day, I was visibly nervous!

Anyone who met the Rebbe is familiar with that experience. His powerful gaze made you feel transparent. As our eyes locked, I felt completely exposed; it was as if he saw every one of my weaknesses, forcing me to confront them within myself.

Yet, I subsequently realized that the Rebbe wasn’t actually looking at my flaws—he was looking through them. He saw the unique potential I possessed and the very purpose for which I was born. For those who encountered that look, life was never the same.

This encounter speaks to the very heart of the Rebbe's legacy. He didn't just see who we were; he saw who we could become. He recognized our unique strengths and empowered us to use them.

He cared for every individual with equal intensity: men, women, and children; secular and religious; scholars and ordinary folk; Jew and non-Jew alike. You felt a sincere, unconditional love, entirely devoid of ulterior motives.

Today, millions of people from all walks of life visit his resting place. They come to pray and to seek blessings, but perhaps, deep down, they come to rediscover themselves and the purpose for which they were created.

May we all be inspired by his supreme faith in the potential of every human being.