"Why did your parents merit such outstanding sons?" Chasidim once asked Reb Yehuda Leib, brother of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman (the founder of Chabad Chasidism). The sons to which they referred were the Alter Rebbe, Reb Yehuda Leib himself (head of the Rabbinical Court in Yanovitch), Reb Mordechai (head of the Rabbinical Court in Arsha) and Reb Moshe (head of the Rabbinical Court in Rodnia).
"By virtue of our mother's exceptional character, her love of Torah, and fear of G-d," replied Reb Yehuda Leib. "Let me relate an incident which reflects her unique personality.
"Our father, Reb Boruch, was a businessman whose affairs required that he travel occasionally. On one of his trips outside Russia, he brought back a gift for our mother, an expensive, fashionable overcoat.
"At that time, we were being tutored by a private teacher who came to our house. Shortly after father's return, Mother noticed that our teacher was not as enthusiastic and motivated as usual. Sensitive to what was happening, Mother tactfully asked him about the change in his disposition.
'My wife has been upset lately. She complains that I do not give her presents like Reb Boruch gives you,' answered the teacher.
"Immediately, Mother went over to the closet in which the costly overcoat hung. She took it out and handed it to the teacher. 'Please give this to your wife. I hope she will be pleased. I have only one concern, that you study with my sons with joy and enthusiasm.'"
