Rebbe, I Would like to Donate Money for a ‘big cause’

“I would like to donate money for a ‘big cause’ – something tremendous, awesome. What does the Rebbe suggest?” the following is an excerpt from the new book on the Rebbe “The Rebbe Inspiring a Generation” to see more on the book see: InspiringAGeneration.com.

The following is an encounter that took place shortly before the Passover holiday, when a philanthropist approached the Rebbe, wanting to make a generous donation to a Chabad institution. Apparently, concerning the definition of a “generous donation,” the Rebbe had different ideas. From this we learn that the “little things” done quietly, behind the scenes, can often prove to be in the Rebbe’s eyes a far greater cause.

The philanthropist waited impatiently outside the Rebbe’s office. Ignoring the swirl of black-coated bodies of students and secretaries around him, he instead concentrated on himself—not without satisfaction, he felt, considering his reasons for coming. No doubt the Rebbe would be impressed as well.

At last the door to the office opened and he was ushered in. As the Rebbe stood there, framed majestically by the massive bookcase behind him, the man approached with the magnanimous request: “Rebbe, I have a large sum of money that I’d like to give to charity, but I would like to give it for a ‘big cause.’”

To the man’s surprise, the Rebbe reacted with neither surprise nor joy. He in fact remained motionless. Quietly he said, “You should give it to Shluchim (emissaries) in Eretz Yisroel. They’re busy distributing Shmura Matzah (handmade Passover Matzah) to other Jews who live there.”

The donor stiffened. “I am very pleased with the Rebbe’s suggestion, but as I mentioned, I would like to donate the money for a ‘big cause.’”

The Rebbe remained standing there calmly. “It should go for Yidden giving out Shmura Matzah in Eretz Yisroel.”

The donor finally mumbled, “Rebbe, by a ‘big cause’ I mean something like a big building, something that will last.”

The Rebbe sternly stared at him. “If you like big buildings, in communities they build big buildings. But should you ask me what’s considered a ‘big thing?’ The answer is this: when you give another Jew Shmura Matzah, which is the bread of belief and the bread which heals.”