A West Coast lumber merchant once came to New York to see the sixth
Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), in order to
seek his counsel and blessing. After addressing the businessman's concerns, the
Rebbe asked him:
"How are your children?"
"They're doing great." replied the proud father. "They get high marks in
school -- two regular geniuses! They're sure to be accepted in the top
universities..."
"And what about their Jewish education? Why don't you send them to a
yeshivah, so that they should grow to be knowledgeable and pious Jews?"
"Rebbe... it's a different world here, in America. The neighborhood I live
in... their friends... it just won't be right..."
"The Torah applies to all times and places," insisted the Rebbe. "America
is no different. You can and must give your children a Jewish education!"
But the businessman would not agree. The Rebbe argued, cajoled and berated;
still the visitor remained adamant in his refusal.
"I don't understand," the Rebbe finally said. "Neither I, nor my father,
ever engaged in business. Yet you came all the way from California to seek my
advice on your most important business decisions. On the other hand, regarding
the education of your children -- the field to which I and my forebears have
devoted our entire lives -- you won't accept my advice!"
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