Visiting the Rebbetzin

We were delighted to receive a phone call from the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, inviting us to come and see her, in the Rebbe’s and her home. This was a great honor that we accepted with alacrity. The Rebbe would, by design, not be home during this visit.

Roselyn and I arrived at 8:00 p.m. and enjoyed an extremely happy two hours with the Rebbetzin. Tea and delicious cakes were served.

The Rebbetzin agreed that it was most important to make the Rebbe freilich, especially at the Yom Tov tish, and agreed that if you want a thing badly, like a farbrengen, you must ask for it. It is so obvious. She intimated that there would be a farbrengen on the next Shabbos, too! She also said that she was in the next room during the Yom Tov meal, and heard how we were enjoying ourselves.

She asked Roselyn, “Are you not frightened when walking at night here?”

I joked about them not touching us because we are not Americans, like the story of the Maggid (preacher) who was preaching in a shul and all the congregation were in tears of emotion because of what he was saying. Only one man remained unperturbed. Afterwards, when asked by the Maggid why he was the only person not inspired, he answered, “I am not a member of this shul!”

We also discussed family and various other matters. I also told a few more jokes.

A very pleasant evening indeed. I hope the Rebbetzin enjoyed herself as much as we did.