Weekly Chasidic Story #747 (s5772-26 / 25 Adar 5772)

Only to See

Although no longer observant at all, the wealthy businessman had a strong wish to see the holy Rebbe Reshab of Lubavitch

Connection: Seasonal -- The 92nd yahrzeit of the Rebbe Reshab

Only to See

In the city of Kremenchug, in Ukraine, there lived many pious and learned Jews, including a number of wealthy ones who would generously fund the communal needs. One rich man, the owner of a flour mill, was exceptionally wealthy and had many dealings with high Russian officials. Over time, he left the path of Torah Judaism completely. Very proud of his riches and high official connections, he spent his time socializing with the Russian ministers.

Once, while the wealthy mill owner was in Petersburg for business, he heard that the Rebbe Rashab [Rabbi Sholom-DovBer Shneersohn] was then in town, staying in a hotel. Although he was steeped in worldly desires, he had a strong wish to see the Rebbe, who was known throughout the world for his wisdom and holiness. The mill owner arrived at the hotel when chasidim were being admitted to private audience with the Rebbe, but the Rebbe's attendant refused him immediate entry, because others were already waiting. In response, he attempted to enter by force, and this caused a major commotion.

Hearing the noise, the Rebbe Rashab opened the door. He motioned for the mill owner to be allowed in. When the wealthy man entered theroom and beheld the Rebbe, he felt himself overwhelmed with awe and fear and was unable to say anything.

The Rebbe calmed him and asked why he had come, but only after some time was he able to compose himself enough to reply. "I did not come for anything, I just came to see," he muttered. Then the Rebbe blessed him and he left.

Years later, this wealthy man related, "From the moment I saw the Rebbe, I changed completely, for seeing his holy face made a deep impression on me. I have seen great ministers and leaders of the kingdom, but never felt any fear; but when I saw the Rebbe, an intense fear overcame me, and I decided to change my ways. When I arrived home, I got rid of all my (non-kosher) dishes, and began closing my mill on Shabbat." He became a proper Jew in every way and formed a strong connection to the Rebbe.

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Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from Lma'an Yishme'u #60, where it is translated from Zichronosai Shoshunkin.

Connection: Seasonal -- The 92nd yahrzeit of the Rebbe Reshab will be this Saturday night (2 Nissan).
P.S. This story also goes very well with parshat Miketz, where Yosef's vision of his father helps him to resist sinning.

Biographical note:
Rabbi Sholom-Dovber Schneersohn (Cheshvan 20, 1860 - Nissan 2, 1920), known as the Rebbe Reshab, was the fifth Rebbe of the Lubavitcher dynasty. He is the author of hundreds of major tracts in the exposition of Chasidic thought.

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Yerachmiel Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells them live at Ascent nearly every Saturday night.

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