An Amazing “Parshas Zochor” Story

Written by Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

In connection to Parshas Zachor, where we are commanded to rid ourselves of Amalek, which Chassidus teaches us the “Amalek is gematria Safek” (doubts), I would like to share following story that I heard from Rabbi Shloime Sternberg last night by a Farbrengen:

Rabbi Sternberg’s grandfather was the Chaassid Rabbi Zalman Gurary A”H. When he was a bochur, he was once asked by the Frierdike Rebbe to take the place of the Frierdike Rebbe secretary for a short period of time. Part of the responsibilities included managing the people that were scheduled to come into Yechidus.

One night, in the middle of the time allotted for Yechidus, the Frierdike Rebbe told him to tell the people that he is stopping to receive people in Yechidus that night and they should return the next night. Everyone left besides one older Chassid that insisted that he must see the Rebbe tonight. After being told that it is not possible, the Chassid begged Reb Zalman to tell the Frierdike Rebbe that it is a matter of “Pikuach Nefesh – life and death”!

Reb Zalman went into the Frierdike Rebbe’s room and gave over the message. The Frierdike Rebbe smiled and told Reb Zallman to ask the elder Chassid to explain to him the Pikuach Nefesh situation. The Chassid hesitated at first, but then blurted out: “I am beginning to have “Sfeikos B’Emunah” – doubts in my faith!

The Frieridike Rebbe allowed the Chassid to enter and Reb Zalman observed the following scene. The Chassid opened the door, looked at the holy face of the Rebbe and ran out. Reb Zalman chased down the Chassid and asked why – after all his pestering to enter Yechidus, he did not even go in!?

The Chassid responded: I came because I had questions about my faith in the Hashem. By seeing the holy face of the Rebbe, while I did not receive answers to my questions, I no longer have any questions!