The date was 24 Adar, 5748 – 1988, exactly 37 years ago today.
A large crowd had gathered on Lefferts Avenue between Brooklyn and New York Avenues for the groundbreaking of Bais Rivkah’s new campus, dedicated in memory of the Rebbetzin, who had passed away just a month earlier.
Then, something shocking happened.
Something came running over to Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, Bais Rivkah chairman — the Rebbe was coming!
The crowd was stunned. Rabbi Shemtov hurried to meet the Rebbe, who was sitting in his car, waiting for him. The Rebbe handed him $470 from his personal funds—the numerical value of the Rebbetzin’s name, Chaya Mushka.
The Rebbe instructed:
“Tonight is the Rebbetzin’s birthday. I am on my way to the Ohel, and I will also stop at the Rebbetzin’s resting place. Please give this money to Mr. Perlman and ask him to share this announcement with everyone present.”
The atmosphere was electric. The Rebbe himself had stopped by, personally participated in the groundbreaking, and given from his own money!
Now, 37 years later, Bais Rivkah is once again “breaking ground,” expanding with a new building. Once again, we stand on the eve of the Rebbetzin’s birthday.
Let’s follow the Rebbe’s example. Let’s honor the Rebbetzin the way he did.
The Rebbe gave $470 in 1988. How much will you give today?
Donate Now!
Charidy.com/BR
That would be equivalent to around $1200 today.
Rabbi Shemtov is a legend. He brought Mr. Perlman, Mr. Chase and others to contribute towards the Rebbe’s mosdos for chinuch. BR, CGI Parksville and 770 are three of the Rebbe’s mosdos I can think of that benefitted from Rabbi Shemtovs ibergegebenkeit. There goes a Shliach of the Rebbe.
amazing