Yechidus: Did You Buy Presents for Your Wife?

Leaving the Rebbe after Tishrei was both sad and uplifting. Sad because the visitor would no longer savor the holiness of the Rebbe’s presence; uplifting because the Rebbe’s presence would follow the visitor forever after.

The Avner Institute is happy to present the following encounter that took place with Rabbi Reuven Dunin O.B.M., who shared a unique relationship with the Rebbe. It was 1973; the holidays over, Rabbi Dunim was preparing to return to the Holy Land. Quietly he took notes of his conversation after leaving the Rebbe’s room. To learn more about the Rebbe Visit: portraitofaleader.org

The Yechidus

Rabbi Dunin Relates:

“I entered the Rebbe’s room; behind me stood a long line of guests also waiting to see the Rebbe before returning home.

The Rebbe immediately asked, “Did you buy presents for your wife and children?”

“No,” I answered.

“You should have,” the Rebbe retorted, sternly. “After all, she remained in Israel for the holidays, while you traveled here. Do you know someone who can help you purchase the gifts?”

“I will ask my colleagues.”

The Rebbe commanded, “Go to the Merkos office, where my secretaries work, and ask them to help you find someone familiar with these kinds of purchases, who will be willing to lend you a hand.

“When you return to Haifa, you should organize a farbrengen, at the appropriate time, for the local Chabad community, and deliver different points from the sichos and maamarim which you heard here. When giving them over, explain them well so that everyone can understand the teachings on their level and apply them somehow to their lives: teenagers must be addressed in a way that is tailored to their interests, whereas older people will naturally be more receptive to the original content.”

The Rebbe concluded, “You probably received the money which I allocated for you, as my participation in your worthy trip here. Use it for good and happy occasions. You and your wife should both spread the wellsprings of Chassidus and be involved in bringing Jews closer to Torah and mitzvahs. Additionally, I would like to wish you much success in your business.”