Hasidim are of telling this story: Once deep in the forest their leader, the Rebbe, came upon a beautiful palace. Through the gate in its high wall he saw that the windows shone with light and sounds of feasting and joy could be heard from within.
"How can I enter this palace?" The rebbe asked the gatekeeper.
"You may never enter. The palace has been forbidden to you."
Despite these words, the rebbe was drawn to the loveliness of the palace making an inner promise to remain by the gate. There he sat waiting, his heart full of sorrow and longing.
Years passed. The Rebbe grew old and frail but the dream of entering the palace remained bright in his heart. One morning, the Rebbe looked up and saw that the ancient hinges of the great gate turning, turning, and the path to the palace was clear and the doors of the palace wide open. Joyful music was ringing out to welcome him.
As the Rebbe drew near to approach the palace, he stopped and asked the gate keeper, "Why now? What has happened?"
"What happened? Responded the gatekeeper. "We took a vote!"
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