Respect for All – the Privileged and the Unprivileged

A letter written to the aide of the Governor of New Jersey, who requested to have a private audience with the Rebbe, of righteous memory:

By the Grace of G‑d
Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5745 [February 22, 1985]
Brooklyn, NY

Greeting and Blessing:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of Feb. 5th.

I do not know if you are aware of the fact that for reasons beyond my control (doctors' orders, etc.), it is now several years since all private audiences have been suspended. Consequently, many prominent people who had requested an audience during this time could not be accommodated, much to my regret. This, of course, precludes me from making any exception, since it would be unfair to those who had been refused in the past.

I am, therefore, profoundly sorry at not being able to accede to your suggestion, especially as it concerns a person for whom I not only have the highest regard, but to whom I also feel a sense of gratitude for his kind support to our Lubavitch institutions in your State, particularly the Rabbinical College of America.

I might add that I am bound also by another basic tenet of our Torah, which requires us to be extra careful in showing respect to all persons, including those who are less privileged in terms of stature and the like, and they too would be embarrassed if they had the feeling that they have been discriminated against.

I am sure you will understand my predicament and will be able to convey my profound regrets.

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson