On Replacement of The Moses of the Generation

When Harav Hagaon Pinhas Hirschprung, a"h, was asked by a non-Lubavitcher why Chabad did not see fit to nominate another rabbi to replace The Rebbe after Gimmel Tammuz, he pointed to the Torah portion of Ki Tisa, where it relates the sad story of the Golden Calf (Eigel Hazahav). When the nation reckoned Moshe had not returned after 40 days as they expected, some Jews began worshipping the Golden Calf.

But a question arises, he said; If Moshe had left behind two sons and a most esteemed brother, each of whom could serve as a natural successor, why did they need to turn to the Calf?

Said Rabbi Hirshsprung, “Whoever thinks he could be a replacement to the Rebbe is like the Eigel Hazahav!”

Apropos, Rabbi Hirshsprung also wrote a letter encouraging the proclamation of "Yechi" (Long Live the Rebbe!). Here is an approximate translation of his words: “I wish to clearly state my opinion in this matter. The entire matter of singing, printing and the very issue of Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu Verabbeinu Melech Hamoshiach Le’olam Voed and everything connected with it does not have a shadow of uncertainty in Jewish law. There are clear sources for this in Shas, Zohar, and from the greatest mekubalim upon whom we depend on for halachic rulings. Besides this, the Lubavitcher Rebbe himself also used these words in regard to his father-in-law, OBM, and did this hundreds of times. This in and of itself is reliable proof.”

[My thanks for this to Eliezer Zalmanov, author of Vert 'a 'lach.]