On the first Shabbos after their wedding, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi delivered a lengthy Chassidic discourse in the manner of Chabad. When he concluded, he asked his new son-in-law if he understood the ma’amar.
He was somewhat taken aback and confused by Rav Yaakov Yisroel’s answer: “I didn’t hear a thing.” Rav Yaakov Yisroel explained, “I did not yet get permission from my father, the Czernobler Maggid, to see if I am allowed to listen to the ma’amar. Whatever I do not have permission to listen to, I do not hear at all.”
The Baal HaTanya was pleased with his new grandson in law’s answer and he responded, “Please ask your father permission to listen from now on.” Rav Yaakov Yisroel did so, and from then on, he listened and understood all he heard from the holy mouth of the founder of Chabad.
