Rewarded by The Rebbe, A Personal Memory
by Y.Y. Hodakov
On the night before Pesach in 5746, not long after Bedikas Chometz, my grandfather, Rabbi C.M.I. Hodakov, known as the Rebbe’s “Chief of Staff”, was taken to the hospital. He stayed there for a couple of weeks.
Throughout the time that he was there, the Rebbe was regularly updated on his condition, and gave various instructions regarding his care.
There were a number of occasions over the course of Pesach, when I walked from the hospital on Yom Tov to give the Rebbe a firsthand report, and relay any questions there may have been.
I stood in Gan Eden Hatachton, and spoke to the Rebbe right before he entered his room after Davening.
On the morning of Acharon Shel Pesach, the Rebbe gave me a pound of Matzos to give to my grandfather for Seudas Moshiach.
As I stood there holding the Matzos, the Rebbe reached into his room again, and took out a piece of Matzah. Placing it atop the package I was already holding with both hands, the Rebbe smiled, and said, “Schar Tirchah” (very loosely translated as “here’s something for your trouble”).
I remember feeling somewhat stunned, thinking then, as I do now, The Rebbe is rewarding me for something that I am privileged to do?
Who wouldn’t be happy to run any “errand” for the Rebbe? Who wouldn’t be eager to do something for their grandfather in the hospital? Is there any reward greater than the Zechus itself of delivering something to my grandfather on behalf of the Rebbe?
On 11 Nissan, we celebrate the Rebbe’s birthday, thank Hashem for giving us the Rebbe, and we are mindful and grateful for everything the Rebbe gives to us.
In addition to being thankful for the teachings, the inspiration, the guidance, the encouragement, and the Brachos that the Rebbe gave and gives, and that we can and should be sure to accept and “cash in” on, we should appreciate the very fact that the Rebbe also gives us the opportunity to be his Shluchim – in whichever capacity that may be – and includes us to “partner” with him, in making this world a Dirah Betachtonim, and bringing Moshiach now.
And, when we take advantage of this Zechus, on top of the Zechus itself, the Rebbe rewards us with “Schar Tircha”. May we be blessed, and may we be deserving.
Lechayim, Lechayim Velivrocho.
Rabbi Y.Y. Hodakov teaches at Lubavitch Hebrew Academy in Margate, FL
