Rabbi Chaim Farro, a Kohen and the Rebbe's shliach in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef, who previously served as a shliach in Manchester for more than thirty years, was recently invited to serve as the Kohen at a Pidyon HaBen for the newborn son of Shmuel and Sarah Yehudit Edrei in Kfar Chabad. Following the ceremony, Rabbi Farro shared a remarkable story that added a unique dimension to the occasion.
Many years ago, on Erev Yom Kippur, Rabbi Farro stood in line to hand the Rebbe his annual letter. As he drew near, the Rebbe said to the man standing in front of him, while pointing toward Rabbi Farro, "That young man behind you he is a Kohen."
Of course, no one questioned Rabbi Farro's status as a Kohen. However, hearing the Rebbe himself identify him as such gave the Pidyon HaBen an added sense of holiness. Since the mitzvah is performed with a Kohen, those present felt privileged knowing that the Rebbe himself had affirmed Rabbi Farro's kehunah in such a memorable and public way. The story lent an especially meaningful and uplifting atmosphere to the celebration.