In connection with Chof-Beis Shevat, we present the following collection of short stories and anecdotes about the Rebbetzin. Even after moving to the United States and eventually assuming the royal title of “The Rebbetzin” when the Rebbe assumed the leadership of Chabad, the Rebbetzin remained a very private person, shunning all publicity. Hence, little is known about the Rebbetzin, even from her later years; and even less is known about her early years, when she and the Rebbe were still in Europe. Nevertheless, as time goes on, more facts come to light, telling the story of her giant personality. In this essay we have collected some of the facts that tell the story of her life, including much information that has only recently become known.
In a fascinating conversation during the shiva, the Rebbe mentions that the Rebbetzin, like all tzaddikim, is considered “alive” even after her passing, and moreover—she is even more alive than during her lifetime. We can therefore be certain that she bestows her blessings upon us, as we continue fulfilling the Rebbe’s work to bring the final and complete redemption, speedily.
On more than one occasion, the Rebbe referenced the potency of the Rebbetzin’s blessings and their ability to affect positive outcomes. Once, the Lubavitch Women’s Organization sent the Rebbetzin a bouquet of flowers, together with a list of individuals for whom brachos were requested. Setting aside the flowers for the Rebbetzin, the secretary passed on the letter to the Rebbe who, observing that it was addressed to his wife, asked his secretary to give it to her, saying, “She is also capable of giving blessings.”
Dr. Moshe Feldman once asked the Rebbe about the difference between the Rebbe’s brachos and the Rebbetzin’s brachos. The Rebbe explained: “For my brachos one ought to prepare a proper keili (receptacle), for the brachos of the Rebbetzin one does not need a keili.”
Mr. Isaac Milstein related: “My family emigrated from Russia to Israel and in 5738* we moved to New York. My mother found work as a stylist at Freeda Wigs in Crown Heights. Once, the Rebbetzin called the store asking to speak to the manager, Mrs. Kugel. My mother, who answered the phone, said “Mrs. Kugel is out, would you like to leave a message?” and asked who was calling. The Rebbetzin replied asking her to convey that Mrs. Schneerson called and asked if Mrs. Kugel could call back at a good time. My mother then realized that it was the Rebbetzin on the line and said: “Rebbetzin! It is a great honor to speak with you, and I will relay the message.” The Rebbetzin then said to my mother: “I can hear in your voice that something is bothering you, is everything okay?” My mother burst out crying. She explained that our family recently immigrated to America, and that my grandmother had suddenly fallen ill, and the doctors say that she has only a few months or maximum a year to live. The Rebbetzin then switched to speaking in Russian and gave a bracha that my grandmother will be alright and that she will emerge from the whole ordeal in peace. And so it was. Against all of the doctors’ bleak predictions, my grandmother survived and lived another 23 years, from 5738* until 5761*.
Rabbi Levi Azimov of Paris relates: “During their first years of shlichus, my parents, Rabbi Shmuel and Bassie Azimov, once traveled to the Rebbe on the chartered flight that started off in Israel and passed through Europe. Before leaving back home, they visited the Rebbetzin and she asked them, ‘When are you going?’ to which they replied, ‘This evening, with the charter.’ About a half an hour later, the Rebbetzin again asked them, ‘When will you be going?’ and they answered, ‘This evening’. When the Rebbetzin repeated the question a third time a bit later, the Azimovs were puzzled. Was this the Rebbetzin’s way of hinting to them that they should stay and not travel? In the end however, they left with everyone else that very evening. Sometime after take off, the pilot announced that one of the engines caught fire and they would have to make an emergency landing. At that very moment, the Rebbe who was at the time in 770 walked out of his office and asked the secretaries if there was any news about the charter. Miraculously they landed safely, and immediately called the Rebbe’s secretariat to notify the Rebbe of what had occurred. The Rebbe gave them a few instructions, among them that they should recite one of the Rebbe’s maamarim. The next day they all left again homeward bound, only this time landing safely at their destination.”
In retrospect, it is fascinating that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin both sensed the issue with the charter before it occurred.
In a talk delivered at the end of the shiva, the Rebbe explained that the Rebbetzin, as the daughter of the nossi hador, certainly shares her merits-zechusim with everyone else, manifesting in blessings for each and every person in everything that they need, culminating in the greatest blessing for the final and complete redemption.
Reprinted from the Derher Magazine
