In 5737 (1977) when visiting Machon Chana, the Rebbe asked who would be conducting the seder for the girls. The Rebbe was told that it would be Rabbi Moshe Feller (head shliach of the upper Midwest in MN). The Rebbe then asked who would be asking the four kashes. When the Rebbe was told that it would be (the then young boy) Mendel Feller (today Rabbi Feller, Shliach in MN), the Rebbe turned to the child and pointing to his father Rabbi Moshe Feller, asked “Does he know the answers”? Everyone in the room laughed, perceiving the Rebbe’s comment as a humorous one. The Rebbe gave his blessing and left.
Pesach 5737 (1977) by Rabbi Michoel A. Seligson
The Rebbe had a custom on the first night of Pesach of visiting the sedorim of the various mosdos; the Yeshiva kitchen at 1414 President St., FREE, Machon Chana and at times Hadar Hatorah. The Rebbe would come in to see how everyone was ready for the seder with their Kaara (Seder plate). This custom went for many years.
In 5737 (1977) when visiting Machon Chana, the Rebbe asked who would be conducting the seder for the girls. The Rebbe was told that it would be Rabbi Moshe Feller (head shliach of the upper Midwest in MN). The Rebbe then asked who would be asking the four kashes. When the Rebbe was told that it would be (the then young boy) Mendel Feller (today Rabbi Feller, Shliach in MN), the Rebbe turned to the child and pointing to his father Rabbi Moshe Feller, asked “Does he know the answers”? Everyone in the room laughed, perceiving the Rebbe’s comment as a humorous one. The Rebbe gave his blessing and left.
The next day the Rebbe requested that Rabbi Feller come to his room. The Rebbe told him that the assembled participants had misunderstood his question. The Rebbe continued, “It is a legitimate question. When a person studies something orally, it is referred to in English as ‘by heart’, which means that he is asking with his full heart. The child already asked the four kashes last year and received the answers. What additional facts do you have to offer him this year that he does not know?!”
In the course of the conversation, the Rebbe concentrated on the fact that every year Pesach and Yetzias Mitzrayim are on an ever higher standard. What was considered Yetzias Mitzrayim (leaving Egypt) last year, is considered Golus Mitzrayim (exile from Egypt) this year. Every year there is a need to strive toward higher spiritual standards. The Rebbe concluded, “Return to the girls at Machon Chana and explain my question and give the answer”.
Rochel
wow, look at the rebbeès concern for something we take as so routine!
may all of Klall Israel be blssed with a Kosher and Frielechin Pesach and may we too be freed from the goyim who opress us .May we also see great Miracles and be taken out of this Golus with yad chazaka,ubezruya nituya.
Leib
I heard the following story by Rabbi Okunov, director of FREE, that when the Rebbe would come visit the Seder of the Russian Jews held at FREE a Red Carpet was rolled out for the Rebbe, beginning from President and Kingston till FREE.
One year the Rebbe, while entering the FREE building, observed that Mr. Yitzchok Skablo, of E & I Treasure Shoes on Kingston Avenue, who worked as the maintenance manager in FREE during those years, was standing behind the lions, seemingly ashamed that he was not yet wearing his Yom Tov garments. The Rebbe, who understood that R’ Yitzchok was occupied with the preparations for the Pesach Seder, turned to him and gave him a Bracha for “Ashirus”, which certainly was fulfilled.