Dresner's book, and the selections we have from it in our reader, deals with the views of Rabbi Jacob Joseph of Polnoy (Yaakov Yoseph, or the Polnoyer) concerning the proper role of the rabbi in the community. The Polnoyer was one of the Baal Shem Tov's most famous disciples, and many stories are told about how the Besht (the Baal Shem Tov) turned him from a rather inward-turning, ascetical, and intellectual rabbi to a model of Hasidic rabbinic leadership. In all the stories, the Besht causes Yaakov Yosef to break down in tears when he realizes how selfishly he has been living. From that time forward, Yaakov Yosef dedicated himself to the spiritual transformation of the Jewish people by teaching how to become a real leader, a true rabbi. The book we are reading is a long summary of the ideas of the Polnoyer as they are found in his many writings.
The Polnoyer believed that the real religious leader must be a "zaddik," a righteous one. What does that mean more specifically? First, the zaddik is an intermediary between God and humanity. He unifies heaven and earth, and heals the suffering of both God and His Shekhinah and the suffering of the Jewish people. There are two aspects to how the zaddik must create unity: first, by making connection with God, and second, by making connection with the people. He then becomes a bridge from one world to the other.
How, in more detail, does the Polnoyer believe the zaddik can make connection to God and how does he make connection to the people? In your answer be sure to include some description of "devekut" and the doctrine of the "descent of the zaddik."