Once a chasid travelled to Rabbi Dov Ber (known as the Mitteler Rebbe) with a dire problem. He was renting an inn from the local poretz (landowner), and was about to be evicted because he was unable to pay his debts. The poretz was unwilling to wait any longer, and the Jew was in danger not only of losing his livelihood, but his home as well.
The chasid entered the Rebbe's room for a private audience and told him the predicament. He requested that the Rebbe write a letter for him to a wealthy businessman named Moshe M. This man was a personal friend of the poretz and therefore a good potential intermediary.
The Rebbe agreed and wrote the letter for him. The chasid left in good humor, letter in hand, sure that his situation would shortly change. However, when he left the Rebbe and read the letter, he had a shock, for the letter was addressed to the wrong person. Instead of being addressed to the wealthy Moshe M., the letter was addressed to Moshe A. who was as poor as the chasid, himself. Oy, thought the chasid, the Rebbe must have made a mistake, for what could Moshe A. possibly do for me?
The chasid turned around and went right back to the Rebbe's residence and said to the Rebbe's attendant, "I must go back in to speak with the Rebbe. He gave me the letter, but he made a mistake in it, and I need him to change it."
"I'm sorry," replied the gabbai (sexton). "You cannot see the Rebbe again so soon. There are many others waiting to be received."
"But, you don't understand," the chasid protested. "This is a matter of the greatest importance, and it can't wait, even a day. I won't take much of his time. The Rebbe just has to change a few words. You see, he addressed it to the wrong person."
The conversation was overheard by the Rebbe's son, who turned and commented, "A Rebbe doesn't make mistakes."
