In the winter of 1942, a delegation of Jews from Chicago came to the Previous Rebbe (the Rebbe Rayatz) to invite him for a visit to the city. The Rebbe agreed, and on the 7th of Shevat, he arrived in the city for a visit that had been carefully prepared.
However, on Motzei Shabbat, the 13th of Shevat, the Rebbe received the news that his mother, Rebbetzin Shterna Sara, had passed away. The Rebbe wanted to return immediately to New York, but the Rabbis of the city asked him, for several reasons, to leave only the next day, on Sunday.
The Rebbe replied to them: "Although I thought of leaving tonight, I will act as you instruct me. Since the passing of my father (the Rebbe Rashab), my “I” has been taken from me. I no longer do what I want, but rather what needs to be done. And when Rabbis tell me to do something, I will follow their guidance."
This story reflects the Rebbe's deep sense of selflessness and dedication, putting the needs of others and the community first.
