The Day All My ‘Rebbe Dollars’ Were Stolen

By A Mother and Chossid

I’d like to share an experience that happened this past week — one that truly shook me and gave me a wake-up call. I hope it will resonate with you and inspire you, as it did for me.

I was deeply privileged to grow up in the holy court of the Rebbe, in Crown Heights. I carry so many treasured memories: attending Shabbos Farbrengens, watching the Rebbe daven, and having the zechus to receive dollars from his holy hand.

Over the years, those dollars accumulated — one here, one there — until I had a sizable collection. I kept them tucked away, knowing they were priceless.

Now, as a mother, I wanted to infuse my own children with the Rebbe’s brachos. On special occasions — graduations, going off to yeshiva, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs — I give each child a dollar from that sacred pile.

Then, just a few days ago, I opened the drawer… and every last dollar was gone!

My heart sank. Years of collecting, holding, cherishing… vanished; and the regret hit hard: Why hadn’t I been more generous? Why had I waited? Why didn’t I give more of those dollars to my children and students while I had the chance?

I turned to the Rebbe and begged for another chance — if only I could recover them. I promised to use them with the purpose they were given: to bless, to inspire, and to share.

Then came a small miracle. I called a parent whose child had recently been at our home. I asked, without judgment, if he could please check his son’s backpack or drawers.

Moments later, he called me back. His son had taken the dollars, a thick stack, with Hebrew writing of my name and dates retrieved.

The lesson was powerful:

1. Guard your treasures. Place them in a locked safe. Whether it’s a dollar from the Rebbe, a kuntres, or a sacred family heirloom, these are spiritual diamonds — far more valuable than anything money can buy. We must love all those that come into our Chabad Houses and homes; yet, simultaneously, we must also protect our valuables – our children included!

2. I have learned not to hoard the blessings. The Rebbe didn’t give us dollars so we could save them for ourselves. He gave them so we could share — with our children, our students, and our communities. If I can humbly suggest, Bubbies and Zaidies, incentivize your einikleich to grow as a chossid like only grandparents can. Parents our children are gems! They will be the children that will greet Moshiach. Let’s gift them for their hard work of getting the job done to bring Moshiach! Shluchim and teachers, we were given students and alumni in our lives. Some can use a brachah for a shidduch and some for children. Share your blessings with them; you carry so much power. Let the Rebbe’s brachos continue to flow, not gather dust in a drawer.

I wait for the day when my children will receive a dollar directly from the Rebbe’s hand; yet until then, let us be the Rebbe’s hands — his messengers sharing his love, his vision, and his brachos with the next generation.