Orthodox and Non-Orthodox Judaism part 20

In one of the writings of the Fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Ber Shneerson, appears the enigmatic statement "A Rebbe is G-dliness in a body". The usual understanding of this is that EVERYONE is G-dliness in a body. But whereas for most people this aspect is hidden within, for a Tzaddik, this has become actualized. However, there have long been some who interpreted this phrase to mean that a Tzadddik is an aspect of G-d incarnate. Most recoil at this claim. But during my years in Chabad (1964-1975), I did encounter several people who espoused this view, cherry-picking "hints" for this doctrine in the words of the Rebbe. These people became known as Elohists (or Elokists); literally "G-dists". They believe that the Lubavitcher Rebbe was, and is, a manifestation of G-d. This approach is almost non-existent in the U.S., but is common in Israel. Prof. David Berger's writings against Chabad Messianism allege that this movement is growing, and is essentially taking over. I highly doubt this, but numbers are hard to come by. A prominent Chabad rabbi in Israel, active in the Settler movement, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginzburgh, while not openly identifying with the Elohists, has been quoted as saying "It cannot be denied that the Rebbe is a Gilui Elohus, a Divine manifestation". One of his students, a staunch Mashichist, told me "I'm not an Elokist, but I don't disagree with them". Tempers flared, almost coming to violence, when a Chabad group put up a banner in the Old City of Jerusalem, with the usual "Yechi..." mantra. But this one, instead of saying "Our Master, Teacher, and Rabbi", said "Our Master, Creator, and Rabbi." It is a well-known phenomenon in world religions that a hero is seen as first going into hiding, and then coming back as a god. The Elohists, after the Rebbe's passing, have bought into that narrative, Nearly all rabbis would consider the Elohist approach as being outside the scope of Judaism, and downright pagan. Judaism has never entertained the concept of a human being becoming G-d. In summation, let me say that Chabad does much great work, and the Rebbe was a great man and Tzaddik. But where there is much light, there are many flies. We must all be careful to examine our beliefs and actions in the light of Torah, or risk apostasy.