By Dovid Zaklikowski, HasidicArchives.com
Photos Meir Haltovsky/Mishpacha Magazine
Malcolm Hoenlein’s son was soon to be wed, yet his father was critically ill in a Philadelphia hospital. Malcolm, a Jewish activist and executive vice-chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, was torn between where to focus his energies.
It had been many years since he last visited the Rebbe, and he seized the opportunity for an impromptu trip to New York. When the Rebbe saw him, he instantly recognized Mr. Hoenlein and took great interest in his communal activities and personal life. The Rebbe inquired in great detail about areas of his work, especially in regard to Israel, showing broad knowledge that few took interest in.
The entire time, the Rebbe held Mr. Hoenlein’s hand and smiled broadly. The Rebbe gave blessings for the upcoming marriage, Mr. Hoenlein’s wife and his communal work. When Mr. Hoenlein asked for a blessing for his father, the Rebbe responded, “Your father should continue to have nachas [gratification] from your good work.”
The Rebbe quickly changed the subject and continued with another topic. Mr. Hoenlein was mystified by the Rebbe’s response. After a long moment, he again asked the Rebbe, “Rebbe, I would like to ask a blessing for my father, who is very sick.”
The Rebbe became serious and repeated, “Your father should have nachas from all the work you do.”
For Mr. Hoenlein, the message was clear. He quickly returned home, gathered some personal items and traveled immediately to Philadelphia. Mr. Hoenlein’s father passed away shortly before he arrived at the hospital.
Mr. Hoenlein understood the Rebbe’s message to mean that though the situation is grave, and his father’s physical passing may be near, do not despair. Rather, “you should continue—through your good work—to give your father’s eternal soul gratification.”
An excerpt from the Advice for Life series From Life to Life (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983624755). The latest in the series are Learning on the Job: Jewish Career Lessons (www.amazon.com/dp/194487500X ) and Advice for Life: Daily Life (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944875018). For bulk orders contact [email protected].
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