The tzaddik associating with sinners:
“The tzaddik is bit concerned only with those close to his ideals, with good and pious people. He will seek out the wicked and sinful to move them to teshuvah. … His charity, therefore, includes not only help for the materially poor and needy, but also the highest form of tzedakh: the spiritual charity of making the wicked meritorious.” P. 93
“… the tzaddik will sometimes appear involved with mundane affairs … dealing with masses on their own level … Externally he appears to have lowered and degraded himself, to have stepped aside from his service to G-d. In truth however, he is and remains in a constant state of devekut (union with G-d) in all does.” P. 109
Mark 2:16,17 – And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Yeshua heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
The tzaddik ‘lowering himself on behalf of others he will then elevate:
“Moreover, as he (the tzaddik) is the comprehensive soul of his generation, he can elevate all and everything that is rooted in his soul. By means of his own good deeds and service to G-d he can elevate even the souls of the wicked.” p. 109
2 Corinthians 8:9 – For ye know the grace of our Lord Yeshua haMashiach, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
John 12:23-32 – And Yeshua answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Yeshua answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
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