Every Sunday, 770 was packed with thousands of people of all ages and walks of life, standing in line for a short moment with the Rebbe near the entrance of his room, where he stood for hours on end distributing dollars for Tzedakah.
Over the week, word spread about some of the conversations the Rebbe had that Sunday, and there would be discussions amongst the bochurim about them. We would wait for transcripts in the weekly "Beis Chayainu" to be printed and the highlight videos from WLCC. Sometimes there were things said that we didn't understand, only later did we have the "Aha" moment, where we saw the Rebbe's foresight.
With each dollar, to each person the Rebbe would wish a “Bracha V’hatzlacha,” then some would ask for a specific bracha or advice. At times, I was fortunate to be behind someone who spoke to the Rebbe, and I watched from up close as the Rebbe conversed with them.
As bochurim, we wouldn't speak to the Rebbe or expect to receive a smile; the relationship we felt was one of expectations. That itself was a kiruv, as we felt we were part of the Rebbe's “close circle” of Chassidim, the bracha and the Rebbe's holy gaze was enough to accomplish what it needed to. It was a serious moment, usually reserved for your birthday or before traveling.
There was eima v’yirah every time we went by. Even before you reached the Rebbe’s shtender, the Rebbe already began looking at you, and through you. Many recall how the moment itself could have felt like a few long minutes, only to realize when seeing the video that the whole episode took under 30 seconds. That's how powerful it was.
When the Rebbe started distributing dollars after Mincha and Maariv more frequently during the week, I wasn't sure if or how often I should go by. I remember my mashpia telling me that a moment with the Rebbe should be a meaningful one, and he suggested that each time I go by I should undertake a hachlata to solidify its impact, and that's what I did. Whenever I went by the Rebbe, I took upon myself to learn a maamar or Tanya by heart.
Rabbi Yitzi Lowenthal
“I got married on 23 Adar I 5752. That morning I was the only chosson waiting near the Rebbe's room to receive and use his siddur.
“While I waited, Reb Leibel Groner briefly went inside the Rebbe’s room. As the door opened and closed in a quick moment, I witnessed something I will never forget. Even at the time, it took me a few seconds to process what I had just seen.
“I saw the Rebbe in the corner of the room, sitting back on a small chair, without a kapota or a hat, wearing his glasses. His holy hand was holding up a large sefer, either a Gemara or a Shulchan Aruch, that was leaning on the table in front of him and he was completely involved in the sefer.
“The Rebbe was in a totally different realm, as if at that moment there was nothing else in the world. The best word I can use to describe it is pure ‘taanug.’ My feeling was that I had just witnessed the Rebbe’s pleasure and enjoyment. It was truly indescribable and I wish that all Chassidim could have seen the Rebbe like that because until this day I have never seen anything like it.”
Rabbi Zev Weinstein
