Quiet Authority
The Avner Institute presents touching excerpts adapted from the diary of a special Chassid, Reuven Dunin, testifying to the Rebbe’s omnipresence and influence, even in physical absence, and with whom we do everything in our own power to be reunited.
“Good for Heaven and Good for Mankind”
Rabbi Dunin relates:
I saw the Rebbe every day. I had nothing in the world aside from the Rebbe, learning, and davening. I cannot describe what it was like for me to travel to the Rebbe. When I entered the car that brought me to the airport, the pain burst forth from me. I looked back at the Rebbe who parted from us, until he disappeared from view, and then I couldn’t.
(from a letter)
“Desires of the Owner”
It was about a half year after my wedding. My wife and I were in the process of setting up our home – in other words, establishing an “everlasting edifice.”
Together with my wife, I went to see the Rebbe. This time I presented him with a key to our home, which he promptly placed inside a drawer with the words, “Then I’m the owner.”
After we returned home, we sent the Rebbe the contract for the house, as well. However, he returned it, and wrote:
It’s not the paperwork that establishes ownership, but the conduct, which should be in accordance with the desires of the owner.
He explained what this meant, according to our Sages: “Good for Heaven and good for mankind.” Meaning, that marital peace is the vessel that contains G-d’s blessing, both materially and spiritually.
“If It Depends on Me”
The following audience took place 28 Tishrei 5727/1967:
Rebbe: What is new, Reb Reuven? How are you?
Me: Thank G-d.
Rebbe: What have you accomplished – learned? Prayed? Danced?
Me: A little.
Rebbe: What about simcha, happiness?
Me: That depends on the Rebbe.
Rebbe: If it depends on me, then it should have been the way it ought to be a long time ago.
“Form of Repayment”
It was midnight. I was waiting outside 770 for the Rebbe to leave his room and go home.
Suddenly, a swarm of police cars blocked off all entrances to 770. A few Rolls Royces pulled up and several business-suited men emerged. They headed immediately for the Rebbe’s room. Outside, a group of uniformed men kept guard. After about a half hour, these men of privilege re-emerged, and they all left.
As someone myself with the privilege of unrestricted access to the Rebbe, I had to find out for myself what had happened. So I walked into the office, where the Rebbe was seated.
“They are from the Atomic Energy Commission,” the Rebbe answered, when I asked who they were. He added that they had had a question they were unable to solve, hence the reason for their visit.
“Did the Rebbe help them?” I asked, in amazement.
“Yes,” the Rebbe replied.
“But why?” I gasped. “After the dropping of the atom bomb . . . . why on earth would we risk another mushroom cloud?”
The Rebbe patiently explained, “First, their plans are for civilian reactors, which are used for peaceful purposes. Second, the United States is a country that has performed enormous kindness for the Jews, and I must help, as a form of repayment. Third, so that they knew who is the One really in charge.”
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