Everything and Nothing

Back in Rachmistrivka, he had been Rebbe to the simple people, cloaked in simplicity and surrounded by simplicity. In the Holy City, where every alleyway held scholars and saints, the Rebbe of Rachmistrivka was able to walk in silence and maintain his precious simplicity.

But then his brother Reb Mordche was murdered by Arab ruffians, and the chassidus sought a new leader. Reb Nochum’che, as he was known, took the mantle along with his brother Rav Velvele until their passing, after which Reb Nochum’s two sons inherited it.

Rachmistrivka did not have two courts for the two Rebbes. Rather, the chassidus formed a single court with two Rebbes, Reb Avrum Dov and Reb Duvid’l leading the tishen and tefillos in unison. For two leaders to share a crown was a novelty.

Yerushalayimer Yidden a century ago were not the type to be easily impressed. Still, they marveled at the feat they were witnessing. For two Rebbes to share the mantle of leadership didn’t require mere scholarship or piety: It called for complete bittul. To be nonexistent, alive only to give, to take nothing at all.