Rabbi Zalman Jaffe was a Jew from England who became very close to Chabad Chasidism and would come to visit the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He received special attention and closeness from the Rebbe, and would speak with the Rebbe often.
In his diary, he would record all the conversations and events he experienced in the Rebbe’s court.
By the Rebbe’s instruction, Chabad Chasidim customarily go out on holidays to the city’s synagogues, to bring the joy of the holiday to the worshippers.
In the year 5737 (1977), on Passover, an unfortunate incident occurred: the Chasidim’s convoy was attacked by a certain group that did not support the Rebbe’s approach.
Rabbi Zalman asked the Rebbe whether to mention this incident in his diary.
The Rebbe replied: “It is forbidden to say negative things about a Jew, especially about Jews who pray three times a day and put on tefillin.”
