Tuesday, May 27, 2008

"It's a Matter of Life and Death.I need an Answer now."















"I have been to many funerals in my life, but I have never seen someone cry with as much pain as the Rebbe cried for that soldier."
-Rabbi Yisroel Meir Lau

The following is an unbelievable encounter that one of the Rebbe's seceretaries experienced with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka obm in the winter of 1966. Also included as an interesting picture of the Rebbe Part (101 in the series) special thanks to Rabbi Asher Lowenstein.


"It was a winter morning in 1966, about 3:30 A.M. The Rebbe had left for home already—an early night considering that there had been no yechidus that night.

Just then a woman frantically phoned the Rebbe's mazkirus (secretariat), saying that her little baby had just fallen and was hurt badly. The doctors were arguing over procedures because of the baby's critical condition. She desperately needed a bracha (blessing) and advice from the Rebbe on what to do.

The Rebbe's secretary explained apologetically that it would have to wait until the morning and that he would ask the Rebbe first thing.

The mother pleaded, "It's a matter of life and death. I need an answer now."

The secretary decided to dial the Rebbe's house, and if the phone would be answered, he would ask mechila (forgiveness) for calling so late. He dialed uneasily, worried that it was improper; the Rebbetzin answered.

"Ver ret (who is talking)?"

The secretary gave his name and immediately said, "I am sorry for calling so late," and proceeded to give his mechila speech – how "it was a chutzpah (nerve) to call at such a late hour, but there is a lady here in desperate need. She says it is a matter of life and death." He described her plight.

The Rebbetzin exclaimed, "Why are you asking mechila? Adaraba (on the contrary), my husband and I were sent to this world to serve Yidden twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. By your calling us you are helping us fulfill our shlichus."

Good Shabbos

Menachem

The Rebbe "Can I ask you to do a favor for me?"














The following encounter is a very unique and special Shlichus that The Rebbe sent former prime Minster of Israel Menachem Bagen to save the life of Jewish girl in France. The encounter was related by Rabbi Binyomin Klein from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's secretaries. Also included is an interesting picture of the Rebbe (part 104 in the series) To learn more about the Rebbe visit www.inspiringageneration.com


Rabbi Klein Relates: "The former Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin visited the Rebbe many times prior to becoming Prime Minister. I remember towards the end of one of his private audiences The Rebbe asked him:

"Can I ask you to do a favor for me?"

Prime Minister Begin replied; "Definitely!"
I received a letter from the mother and father of a Jewish girl from France. They describe how their daughter wants to get married to a non-Jew. They wrote in the letter that they tried to do everything in their power to stop the marriage, but nothing helped. So, the parents are now asking me for my help to see what I can do.

"I think," said the Rebbe, "that a person like you, with the standing that you have, should speak to her. Especially because you also speak French, it will have a very great effect on the girl." Menachem Begin listened to the Rebbe's request and accepted upon himself to do the Shlichus. The Rebbe gave him the girl's address and her phone number in France.

He told Begin that he wants to pay for all of the expenses he incurs from traveling there. Prime Minister Begin traveled to France and met with the girl. He spoke with his whole heart what his thoughts were and why it's so important to marry a Jew.

After much discussion she made the decision to end her relationship, and broke off her wedding. Today the girl lives in Jerusalem, is married and has a beautiful family.

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.