“Did You Sign the Letter Happily?”

By Dovid Zaklikowski – brought to you by COLlive.com and Hasidic Archives

Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff‘s parents displayed tremendous sacrifice to maintain Jewish tradition despite Communist persecution. They raised their son to be a fierce and fearless Jew. Following his immigration to America, he became deeply involved in Jewish activities on campuses and small communities.

Once, during a private audience with the Rebbe, he handed the Rebbe a note with 4 questions about his activities, and a 5th personal question. As a young fellow, he didn’t understand that the final question, and any subsequent discussion, would have evoked his wife’s discomfort.

The Rebbe was sensitive to this distinction and, after responding to the first 5 questions, ignored Rabbi Lazaroff’s 5th question. Rabbi Lazaroff wondered why the Rebbe did not respond to one of his questions but did not probe further.

The following day, the Rebbe’s aide called the young rabbi to his office and said, “In regard to your fifth question, the Rebbe asked me to tell you his response…”

A short time later, when the young couple decided that they were ready to serve as Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim, they scheduled another audience with the Rebbe. Rabbi Lazaroff penned a note to the Rebbe, and both signed the letter.

During the meeting, the Rebbe turned to Mrs. Chiena Lazaroff and asked, “I see your signature here, but do you know what you chose to sign off on?”

She confirmed that she understood the contents of their letter.

“Did you sign the letter happily or because you felt compelled?”

Mrs. Lazaroff confirmed that she was willing and glad to selflessly serve any Jewish community.

Only after Mrs. Lazaroff confirmed her agreement did the Rebbe give his blessing and approval for them to pursue their life’s dream.

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