Unforgettable Purim Moments With the Rebbe

THE NOSI THE SHEPHERD

Every Yom Tov celebrated in the Rebbe’s presence, provided not just the full Yom Tov experience, but they were always deeply inspirational, uplifting, and everlasting, thanks to the Rebbe.
Yom Tov with the Rebbe always began in the days, and often even weeks, leading up to the Yom Tov. The Rebbe would mention the upcoming days and talk about preparations for them – from Rosh Hashanah and Sukkos, Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah, Yud Shevat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuos, Yud Beis Tamuz, and so forth.

As the particular Yom Tov drew closer, the atmosphere became charged, especially before the big Yomim Tovim of Pesach and Tishrei. Beginning in the Lameds (Yud Alef Nissan Lamed Alef was the first), the Rebbe would Farbreng on the Erevs of the Yomim Tovim (Rosh Hashanah, Sukkos, Pesach (Yud Alef and (from Lamed Ches and on) Yud Gimmel Nissan) and Shavuos – in addition to at least one Farbrengen on every Yom Tov itself. (The Farbrengens of Simchas Beis Hashoevoh were stopped from Chof Hei and on, and the Farbrengens of the second day (evening of) Sukkos were stopped after Tof Shin Lamed. But from Mem Alef and on, the Rebbe said a Sicha each night of Sukkos without exception).

Besides for the atmosphere, the Rebbe would also discuss ideas in Nigleh about the particular Yomim Tovim, as well as Sichos filled with Drush and lessons from the Yom Tov, and, of course, Maamorim that pertained to those times. The Rebbe would always send out Michtovim Kloliyim in the weeks leading up to Pesach and Rosh Hashanah, and, at times, before the other Yomim Tovim as well.

Yomim Tovim were always “busy” in the presence of the Rebbe, and they were inspiring and exciting. Many guests would arrive from around the world for the Yom Tov of their choice, the most being for Simchas Torah.

Purim, though, was different. Purim – being Purim – is exciting in every Jewish community. So, if every Yom Tov was exciting by the Rebbe, one can imagine how much excitement was anticipated for Purim. And, indeed, some of the most “Exciting” Farbrengens are the ones that happened on Purim.

Here is a partial list of unforgettable Farbrengens – and some other moments with the Rebbe – on Purim. A list like this – of amazing moments with the Rebbe on one date in the calendar – can only be made for Purim. No other Yom Tov comes close aside from Hakofos, and the other events of Simchas Torah:

Purim Yud Gimmel, when the Rebbe disposed of Stalin YMS”H by the (second) Maamar at the end of the Farbrengen, following the Hakdomoh of the “Hu-Rah” story; Purim Tes Vov, when the Rebbe offered wealth to whomever raised their hand; Purim Tof Shin Chai, the longest Farbrengen (over 9 hours!), when the Rebbe drank Mashkeh Ad D’lo Yoda; Purim Chof Beis, when, following Mincha, the Rebbe asked “where is the Marbim B’simcha”? A real Frilecher dance began upstairs, and the Rebbe suddenly appeared with a large Hamantash to distribute to those dancing; then the Rebbe came out again with a half-gallon bottle of wine. The Oilom really got into it then… Purim Chof Vov, when the Rebbe announced at the end of the Farbrengen, “Kol Haposhet Yad Noisnim Lo”, and the Rebbe gave L’chaim to each person at the Farbrengen, then upstairs, then outside at the car, and then even outside the Rebbe’s house.

We continue with Purim Lamed Tes, when the Rebbe began the Farbrengen by announcing that the Farbrengen will begin with a Niggun, not words, and then asked everyone to say L’chaim four times, one after the next. Later in the Farbrengen was a special Sicha to the Persian Jews there and asked them to sing one of their songs; Purim Mem Alef, Friday, with a Maamar after Mincha – a most unusual occurnce exclusive to that year – and the Rebbe then saying L’chaim twice, and removing “Hagbolos” of Mashkeh. That Friday night, the Rebbe came into Maariv and turned around to the Oilom to strongly encourage the singing – Simchas Torah style; Purim Mem Beis, when the Rebbe asked for someone to be Moitzie the Oilom and say L’chaim four times and make a Kuleh, after which they sang the Russian song Ei-vadye-mi, and the Rebbe encouraged the Niggun very strongly for a long time; and (the Shabbos after) Purim Mem Hei (Purim was on Thursday that year), when many of the Sichos of the Farbrengen were about people from different backgrounds to say L’chaim.

In addition to all the above, the Sichos at the Purim Farbrengens were usually of a different style, extremely rich in topic and explanation and “Purimdik”. There were often incredibly beautiful and sweet explanations on the Megillah (Lamed Gimmel is one example and it is on video); Rashi Sichos on the Megilah (several times), the famous Sichah “Kom Raboh V’shochtei L’Reb Zaira” which was (the Shabbos after) Purim Mem Daled; Mihu Yehudi (started on Purim Tof Shin Lamed); the Sicha about whistling and that everyone should wear Rabbeinu Tam’s Tefillin beginning from Bar Mitzvah age (Lamed Vov); Sicha about Lubavitch and Ger (Shabbos Shushan Purim Lamed Zayin); Sicha about rights for people who are unwell (Mem Vov); and the big Sicha about Moshiach (Mem Zayin – last Purim Farbrengen so far).

The Maamorim of Purim were often times memorable. Among those: Tof Shin Chai lasted an hour; the Rebbe cried bitterly in the Maamar Balailah Hahu (Tof Shin Chof), and there was NO Maamar at the Farbrengen of Purim Mem Zayin – which was a big surprise, as Sefer Haminhogim writes that the Admu”r says Dach in the Seudah of Purim.
The Niggunim at the Purim Farbrengens were usually Freilech and “Purimdik”, being strongly encouraged by the Rebbe. The Rebbe would instruct people to say L’chaim more often than during other Farbrengens. There were other unusual happenings within the Farbrengens of Purim as well. It happened several times that the Rebbe asked that someone volunteer to become in a state of Ad D’lo Yoda and be Moitzie the Oilom.

And so, through the years, the Oilom would come to expect some interesting and exciting developments on Purim. In fact, some people had a tradition to arrive at 770 for this Farbrengen a little earlier than usual, immediately after their Purim Seudah at home. I remember Reb Elyeh Chaim Roitblatt and Reb Chatzkel Brod showing up around a couple of hours before the Farbrengen with bottles of Mashkeh, and there would be a chance for people to say L’chaim and create an atmosphere long before the Rebbe came in.

The Purim Farbrengen, which always took place at night, following the Seudos people ate with their families (and the Rebbe explained this in Mem Hei, that the Farbrengen would wait for people to have a chance to finish their Seudah with their families), would have a different feeling and energy even before the Rebbe entered. In truth, every Farbrengen of the Rebbe would feel special; there was a special feeling walking in the street towards 770 for a Farbrengen with the Rebbe, then coming inside, checking on your place or seat, and seeing the time move closer and close until the Rebbe was scheduled to arrive. But Purim was a different energy, and there was excitement and anticipation in the air in a whole different way.
[There were years when there was no Purim Farbrengen on Purim itself, namely, when Purim was on Friday. This happened only five times in the Rebbe’s years of Nesius: Tof Shin Yud, Yud Daled, Lamed Daled, Lamed Zayin, and Mem Alef (and Nun Daled as well, but that was in a different Tekufah)]. In those five years, the only public words of Purim were the Maamar in Mem Alef. On the next day, Shabbos Shushan Purim, there was always a Farbrengen, and the theme was Purim]

And then there were years – not many – where the Purim Farbrengen did not contain anything different than a “regular” Farbrengen. No unusual events; no particularly Gashmaker explanations on the Megillah (all Sichos were “Geshmak”, of course, in their own way, just no Megillah or Purim Sichos); no unusual Maamar – nothing of note. In this article, the Farbrengen of Purim Mem Gimmel is featured, which seemed to be no different than a “regular” Farbrengen, but ended up becoming very significant and notable to at least one person.

But first, a Hakdomoh. The year Tof Shin Mem Gimmel was not one of the more “exciting” years by the Rebbe. As every year, it was Molei V’godush with Farbrengens and Sichos, and filled with inspirational moments, but to compare it to the two years before and the two years after – Mem Gimmel was a “quiet” year by the Rebbe (Mem Alef was Hakhel and Tzivos Hashem, and the Sefer Torah of Tzivos Hashem, and a Maamar on Purim – among many things. Mem Beis was the Rebbe’s eightieth birthday, Sifrei Torah Hakloliyim, Mahadurah Kammah of the Tanya – among many things. Mem Daled was Tanyas to be printed everywhere, big Tumult about Moshiach, and, of course, the Rambam – among many things. Mem Hei was the continuation of the Rambam and its Siyum, the Parsha of the Seforim – among many things).

The Rebbe did begin a more intense campaign about the Sheva Mitzvos in Mem Gimmel (including at the Farbrengen of Purim), but that was more a discussion than much action. Many of the potential weekday Farbrengens – such as Chof Cheshvan, Yud Kislev, Chamisho Osor Bishvat, Chof Ov – were on Shabbos. The Giluim of this year were not as much as in the other years. The Purim Farbrengen – which contained some beautiful Sichos on varied topics, as will be expressed shortly – did not feature anything extraordinary, certainly not as memorable as was present in many other years, especially in the two years before and after, as stated previously.

Yet, as mentioned, at least one person saw this Farbrengen as a major turning point in his life.

This was a Bochur in his late teens that was struggling with where he was and where he was heading. These days, it’s called an identity crisis. He was beginning to think about what he was capable of and where should he focus his energies in preparation for life, and it became a struggle in his mind. He thought he could become a Shliach, and he should therefore focus on preparing his life towards that goal, but he felt inadequate and not quite worthy.

The struggle of this Bochur remained in his mind. He did not tell anyone about this, and he also didn’t write to the Rebbe about this.

And then came Shabbos S’hmos, M’vorchim Shevat. The Rashi Sicha in this Farbrengen was about the dialogue Moshe had with Hashem at the Sneh. In the second question that Moshes asks Hashem, he says: I am going to give the news of the Geulah to the B’nei Yisroel and they will ask me, “Ma S’hmo”, what is His name. What should I tell them? And Hashem said ‘Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.” The Rebbe asked several questions on this issue and the Rashi, and in the answer, the Rebbe said that Rashi was wondering about these questions Moshe was asking: What kind of question was Moshe suggesting that B’nei Yisroel would ask? Could it be that they would ask, what is His NAME? Is that a question, and Noch the FIRST question they would ask? Would this be on their minds when they hear Bsuras Hageula?! Besides, they knew Hashem’s names through the Ovos. Moshe could have picked any name: Hashem, Elokim, Elokeinu, Koh, Velcher Nomen Du vilst – whichever you want?! And how does Hashem respond? Ehyeh? a name they’ve never heard of. Ersht THEN would be the question about the name!

The Rebbe explained that a name of Hashem is an expression of His Hanhogoh. The question the people would ask, thought Moshe, is: “What kind of Father is this when He witnesses the terrible Tzoros of the Golus, Par’oh “Bodt Zich” (is bathing) in Yiddishe Bloot – while He has been sitting in Shomayim watching this transpire? What kind of behavior is this? Mo Omar Aliehem, how should I respond to this question? And Hashem said Ehiyeh Asher Eheyeh. I was there, and I will always be there, but during Golus, this is hidden.

This is a very short wrap-up of this amazing Sicha – also published in LKU”S Chelek Chof Vov, third Sichah for Sh’mos.

But that was not the whole story of this Sicha. The Rebbe broke down and began to cry when talking about the Tzoras Hagolus and Par’oh’s bathing in Jewish blood of children. At some point the Rebbe gave a Krechtz. The Rebbe placed his holy hand over his face. It was loud and deeply penetrating.

The impression of this Sichah remains with everyone who was there. The impression this Sichah had on this struggling Bochur was profound. The Rebbe was not just teaching and explaining a Rashi and a Posuk in Torah. This was real. The Rebbe was living this piece of Torah, which is Toras Chaim, and was teaching it as lesson in life for everyone there.

For the Bochur, this was his first lesson to navigate life: The Torah is not merely a guide to a good life, but is life itself. And without Torah, life itself is not a life.
The second lesson came a week later, on Shabbos Vo’eira. Right at the beginning of the Farbrengen there was a lengthy discussion about how every single person, no matter who, is created by the Aibershter “L’shamesh Es Kono” – to serve his owner. This applies even when there is a Golus around, when one can suggest that things are different. The lesson here was: One can best serve the Aibershter by identifying his unique talents and specialty. Through identifying this point, the person finds his (or her) potential and knows where to focus.

The third lesson came a week later, in the next Farbrengen, Shabbos Bo. At the beginning of the Farbrengen, the Rebbe spoke about the meaning of “Bo”, which means to “come IN”, to go all the way in a Pnimiyus, and connected it with the name of the Frierdiker Rebbe, Yosef, to increase. That was the name of this Bochur… Towards the end of the Farbrengen – which lasted till after Shabbos was over! – there was a very lengthy Sicha, a continuation to the Rashi Sicha which seemed to be connected to the beginning of the Farbrengen, regarding Yegiah and “Avodas Perech” in Avodas Hashem. The lesson here was: You can find your place, but it must be found INSIDE, and it requires hard work and exertion. Amazingly, this point was also discussed by the Rebbe in the first Sichah of the Yud Shevat Farbrengen, that Monday night.

The fourth lesson came on the next Shabbos, B’shalach, Chamishoh Osor Bishvat, Shabbos Shirah. The Niggun after the first Sicha was Vayanchem Lovetach, which is about Krias Yam Suf and the Parsha of that Shabbos. The Rebbe began the second Sicha (almost sounding like a Maamar) with the Posuk of this Niggun, and discussed how Hashem destroyed the Mitzriyim, and compared that with the various places that talk about what is going to happen with the Goyim when Moshiach comes, and it is impossible that they will be destroyed! Rather, the world will be on so much of a higher level that they, too, will not be the same they are now. This Sichah is Mugoh, and came out in LKU”S for Bolok that year, and is printed in LKU”S Chelek Chof Gimmel. This was a really beautiful Sichah, and the lesson was that each person, no matter who, is important, precious, and the Aibershter wants that person in this world and wants for that person to serve Hashem by utilizing the talents Hashem gives.

Mishpotim was the next Farbrengen, and the lesson was, once again, right at the beginning. The first Sichah was how all the Mivtzoim – every one of them – is related to this Shabbos: Shabbos, Mishpotim, Shkolim, and Mevorchim Adar. This fifth lesson was about how to reach the whole world: through the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim.
The sixth lesson was on Shabbos Terumah. The opening themes of this Farbrengen were about Moshe (Erev Zayin Adar), Torah, and Chinuch. This lesson was about Hiskashrus to Moshe, to Moshe’s Torah, and to share with others.

These six lessons were all this Bochur needed to sort out his confusion and doubts. The first step is that life for a Yid is Yiddishkeit based on the Torah and nothing else. The second step was how every person was created with talents to serve Hashem. The third step was how this exists within each individual, which means that each person was created with his or her unique talents that no one else has, and once a person has discovered and identified which talents they are, the person can then find his or her place in the world, and work with yegiah, with toil, to find satisfaction and joy from life. The fourth step was that this is how one can now feel how precious one is to Hashem. The fifth step was that this all goes through Shlichus. And the sixth step was how it all goes through the Rebbe.

It was as though the Rebbe was talking to this Bochur directly – despite the fact that this Bochur did not communicate anything to the Rebbe…
And then came Tetzaveh, which was Erev Purim, and Sunday night was the Purim Farbrengen. The Purim Farbrengen always came with great excitement, as mentioned previously, and this Bochur was excited. He was all in. Thanks to the Rebbe, he had understood where he was going in life, but he wanted one Siman, a sign, that all this was not merely his imagination. He was looking forward to a “Purim-diker” Farbrengen, and something unique and unusual.

The Rebbe came into the Farbrengen and did something most unusual for a weekday Farbrengen:
To understand what was unusual, here is a brief introduction: When the Rebbe would arrive to the Farbrengen on Shabbos afternoon and sit at the table, the Rebbe would pick up the Becher and wipe it with a napkin, and then stand it up. The Rebe would then pass it to Rabbi Mentlik – and later to Rabbi Berel Junik – to fill with wine. The Becher was then filled and passed back to the Rebbe – and the Rebbe never failed to nod his holy head in thanks. The Rebbe would take the Becher in his holy hand and make the Kiddush and the Brochoh. As soon as the Rebbe tasted from the wine, Reb Yoel would begin a Niggun – normally the one on the Rebbe’s Kapital (from Tof Shin Lamed and on). [in the much earlier years, the Rebbe did not always make Kiddush at the Shabbos Farbrengen. Only in the later Chofs did the Rebbe do this more frequently, and by early Lameds, the Rebbe did this at every Shabbos Farbrengen].

In weekday Farbrengens before Lamed Ches, the Rebbe would enter the Farbrengens and if it was a “big” occasion – such as Yud Tes Kislev, Yud Beis Tammuz, and so forth, the Rebbe would usually do the same thing done on Shabbos: Pass the Becher, and then make a Brochoh on the (cake and then the) wine and a Niggun would be sung. Only after the Niggun, would the Rebbe begin the first Sichah. For the “smaller” occasions, the Rebbe would immediately start the first Sicha or signal to sing the Maamar Niggun. [Rabbi Mentlik always stood right near the Rebbe when the Rebbe entered, just in case the Rebbe would ask to pour the wine immediately upon entry. If the Rebbe began with a Sichah or Maamar, he would remain there until he fulfilled his duty].
After Lamed Ches, it never happened – to the best of my knowledge – that the Rebbe asked for the Becher to be filled before the first Sichah on any weekday Farbrengen. The Rebbe would immediately begin talking, or signal to sing a Niggun. The Rebbe would only drink from the wine after the first Sicha (or after the Maamar, if that was the first talk).

When the Rebbe entered the Purim Mem Gimmel Farbrengen, the Rebbe turned the Becher to its open side, and poured into it the contents of a small bottle – which is something the Rebbe did at basically every Farbrengen from the early Mems and on, and then, surprisingly, passed the Becher to Rabbi Mentlik to fill up! The Rebbe then took a napkin, and placed a couple of pieces of cake into it – which, again, was what the Rebbe usually did when the Becher was being filled, and it seemed as though the Rebbe was going to begin this Farbrengen unusually with L’chaim and a Niggun – like the olden days. Suddenly, the Rebbe straightened himself at the microphone and began to say the first Sichah.

It seemed that something unique and unusual may have been happening, but the Farbrengen began as a regular Farbrengen.
In the first Sichah, which was a short one, the Rebbe discussed that all openings should be with a Brochoh, and the biggest Brochoh is the one of Simcha, as Purim is only once a year, and only one day in the year, and its focus is Simcha above limitations.

The second Sichah was over an hour. The way this Sichah began, though, was highly unusual. I am unaware of the Rebbe ever talking like this: There is a question, began the Rebbe: How is it that a multitude of people gather together at a Farbrengen year by year in order to hear one individual – the Rebbe?

The Rebbe explained that the purpose of a true Nasi is to provide for the needs of his generation, materially and spiritually. The Alter Rebbe, who once tried to hide from the crowd, was told by his Rebbetzin that the people are coming to hear you teach them Torah you heard from your Rebbe. The Alter Rebbe immediately agreed to teach. The Alter Rebbe himself writes in the Shaar Blat of Tanya that the words are “Mipi Sforim Umipi Sofrim” – from books and people. This means that “Sofrim-people” need to be involved. And the person chosen for this position must realize that his strength is through those who chose him. In this case, the interaction works both ways, and so does the benefit work for both the individual and the people choosing him. This is why a Farbrengen is so important, because each individual has a mission to fulfill, and coming together creates an opportunity of support and help towards that mission. In this way, this community can more easily take over the world!

The Rebbe had been Farbrenging for over 30 years as the Nosi. Why this point would have been discussed now does not have any explanation.

For this Bochur, though, these words were poignant. This was a basic recap of all the points the Rebbe had made in the previous weeks: Everyone has a mission to fulfil, and there is a Nosi, a Rebbe, who guides and helps everyone in this area, and by being part of this team, one can bring strength and Yeshuah to the whole world!

The Sicha continued with the lesson from the Megilah about the feast of Achashverirosh being “Kirtzon Ish Vo’ish” – according to each person’s wish: All humans must be given the freedom to express their wishes, and to behave that way. This is not the case for those behind the “Iron curtain” – both words representing the not-good side of things. The way to help the situation is to pay attention to the children who need Jewish education, removing them from schools that do not offer education about Yiddishkeit. This will help the Jewish people there being removed from the place that has not been good for them – towards the opportunity to be more involved with Yiddishkeit.
The third Sicha was about the importance of women and education, and the whole Purim story is headed by the involvement of Esther.
The Maamar Balailah Hahu was next, and it was relatively short, just about 15 minutes.

The next and final Sicha was about Purim being on Sunday, and the 13th of Adar, the day of the war, fell that year on Shabbos – a day of rest, opposite of war. It turns out that the Hachono to Purim was through the pleasure of Shabbos. The lesson is how one can be involved in all the Mivtzoim in connection with Purim in a much easier and pleasurable manner. Another lesson is also about reaching out to non-Jewish people, just like on Purim, when the “Amei Ho’oretz” were affected. The Rebbe then discussed the idea of Sheva Mitzvos.

The Rebbe then made the Magbis for “Keren Rabeinu”, and at the very end of the Farbrengen, immediately prior to the Brochoh Achronah, the Rebbe talked briefly about 30 days before Pesach and the needed preparations for it.

All the Niggunim were encouraged by the Rebbe – mostly with the Rebbe shaking and nodding with his holy head, and sometimes by clapping. The Rebbe also pointed to several people to say L’chaim – a feature at almost all the Purim Farbrengens. But there was nothing that was unique and special. Nothing that would stand out as “Purimdik”.
The Rebbe then instructed to sing the Hachonoh Niggun, the Alter Rebbe’s Niggun, Nye Zuritzi, and Sheyiboneh.

The Rebbe then began to sing Nyet Nyet, and it really sounded and felt that the Farbrengen had come to an end.

And this Bochur had been hoping for a Siman, some type of unique “made for Purim” moment. The Bochur was hoping that a sign would be given that what he was hearing was actually directed to him. And here the Farbrengen was coming to its end.

Just then, immediately after the Rebbe began to sing Nyet Nyet, the Rebbe was looking intently down to his immediate left. The Rebbe then said something to Reb Binyomin Klein who was standing there, and Binyomin went down to his knees, dealing with something the Rebbe was seeing. As it turns out, a young boy fell asleep right there, on the carpet, right at the Rebbe’s chair. Binyomin Klein was basically gently waking up this boy and made sure to stand him up on his feet.

The Rebbe was smiling slightly, but the Rebbe’s face was really lit up. The Rebbe then took a piece of cake from the tray and handed it to this boy, and the Rebbe remained looking to his side at this boy, seemingly ensuring that everything was okay. The Oilom was still singing Nyet Nyet.

And then, it happened. The Rebbe turned towards Reb Yoel, and said Zogen Shpoler – sing “Shpoler”. Reb Yoel thought the Rebbe was asking to sing Prozos, and began that Niggun. The Rebbe called out, “Der Shpoler Zaide”. That is the Niggun of Hop Kazak, and Reb Yoel began that Niggun. The Rebbe immediately began encouraging the Niggun.

As the third stanza was sung – where the Niggun goes into its Lebediker phase – the Rebbe turned to his right, and was looking for Abhatzeira, the person the Rebbe usually turned to at the Farbrengens, in order to indicate that everyone should whistle.

As soon as the Rebbe found him, the Rebbe began to swing his right hand – and the whistling began. The Rebbe then turned towards the Oilom, while swinging his right holy arm.
The Rebbe’s holy face was lit up with this Simcha. It was Purim, after all….

And the place went wild! It was as though 770 took off! Everyone was dancing up and down, with great Simcha. No one had seen such T’nuos of Simcha from the Rebbe during that year since Simchas Torah. And the place really erupted.

The Rebbe continued to swing that hand for the third stanza of the Niggun to be repeated three times, each time faster and more Lebedik than the previous one.
It was one of the great highlights of Mem Gimmel with the Rebbe… For Mem Gimmel, this was really special.

The Rebbe then moved a thing or two around on the table in preparation to his leaving the Farbrengen, and then turned to his left, and looked right at that Bochur who stood on the Rebbe’s left side…

The Rebbe then continued to encourage the Niggun three additional times, and the Oilom really was into it. It is one of the great Hop Kazak’s with the Rebbe. The Rebbe essentially was Fifen Afen Velt, and leading everyone to victory.

Here is a video clip of the Niggunim Sheyiboneh and Nyet Nyet, including the story with the child. And then the Niggun of Hop Kazak: A Child Falls Asleep Near The Rebbe – YouTube
Also at this Farbrengen was a Rosh Kolel named Reb Zushe Horowitz from Yerushalayim, a cousin to the Horowitz’s living in Crown Heights. He had come to New York for medical treatment and remained for several months. In an article in the Kfar Chabad several years later, he told his story. He explained that, not being a Lubavitcher, he joined his cousin one Shabbos for the Farbrengen, and he could not believe what was happening. While the rest of the world is napping and sleeping on Shabbos afternoon, taking strolls, and so forth, here the Rebbe was pouring out Shefa of Torah for hours like a May’on Hamisgaber… He then started coming to all the Farbrengens, and he mentions that this Hop Kazak, which, to him, was a type of Simchas Purim he had never encountered before – despite all the years he was in Yerushalyim – was part of the Makkeh B’patish for him as well.

In the final moments of this Farbrengen, the Rebbe elevated and raised at least two people that I know of, with great encouragement and joy.
Here was an accomplished Rosh Kolel whose life was elevated to the Rebbe’s world. Here was an eighteen-year-old kid, who sensed and felt this Bochur’s thoughts, and his issues were being addressed by the Nosi, by the shepherd, who cares about every single one of his sheep, his “Tzon Mar’iso”.

That is our Rebbe. How fortunate are we to have a Rebbe who finds ways to look after all of us!

And a Rebbe who continues to shepherd us towards the Geulah, and today ever more and more, Yatir Mb’chayohi, until he will shepherd us into Eretz Yisroel Teikef Umiyad Mammosh.
This Bochur now knew that there would never be a doubt in his mind as to what he needed to do and where he needed to go.

This story I know to be one hundred percent accurate and true. Because, you see dear friends, this Bochur was me……

Yossi Lew,
Peachtree City, Georgia