The Rebbe Taught a Young Woman the Meaning of Love

Autoplay Next

The Rebbe Taught a Young Woman the Meaning of Love

Mrs. Chana Sharfstein recalls one of her first private audiences with the Rebbe, as a young woman in her early twenties, when the Rebbe asked her about her prospects for marriage (1954).

Topics:

Love, Finding a Mate; Dating, Lubavitcher Rebbe

By Chana Sharfstein

Chana Sharfstein, an expert on Scandinavian Jewish history, is a noted author, educator and tour guide. Raised and educated in Stockholm, Sweden, Chana is a retired member of the New York City school system, and a docent at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Center of Jewish History.

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

6 Comments

Annonymous NJ April 27, 2023

I am married to the same.man for 43 years now and I can only tell you what my experience has been. Our love started out as a friendship and over the years it has grown into more than either of us expected. There is mutual respect, honesty and some wonderful conversation. It doesn't matter where we are that we can feel each others moods. It is not the great love affair that makes the marriage, it is the everyday ordinary things. You need to have something more after the kids leave to start their own lives. Reply

Jürgen Friedrivh Germany November 30, 2017

The meaning of love is mostly a romantic feeling like in fairy tales.
On the contrary I told my children, it is a decision. Reply

Carole North Hatley QC, Canada February 12, 2009

The Meaning of Love Such a love begins small, like a tiny seed to sprout and grow, blossoming under the expanding warmth of hesed. I am not Jewish, but love someone who is - and it my experience of that thread of understanding that promises to draw me closer to the divine in the other. Little ordinary acts of daily caring and kindness - how could life be more sacred than that? Reply

James West Monroe, LA December 11, 2008

The Meaning of Love Every man and woman should hear this explanation of true love and G-dly relationships. Reply

Selwyn Berg Lisbon (retirement), Portugal December 10, 2008

True analysis Ours was a green card marriage. She came to America tor the sake of her children and to escape the military conscription of South Africa. I did it as a favor and continued my single (divorcee) fun life, but noticed I was spending more time with my erstwhile wife. After about 8 months, I realized how much we really related to each other. At that later time, I confessed that I really think I love her, and we have to have a real marriage. That means a Rabbi, family ceremony, honeymoon. That was 25 years ago, and every day it gets better.
PS. My first marriage was hot and heavy and very romantic and it was downhill from there. Reply

Chana Sharfstein Crown heights August 5, 2020

in response to Selwyn Berg:

I am so very happy that my Yechidus, private meeting, with The Rebbe more than 60 years ago still Is as meaningful today as it was then. That is fabulous. In this age of Corona as we are becoming more aware of priorities in life, we realize that everlasting truth of the wise words of The Rebbe. He made it clear to me that real love as genuine and not that which is portrayed in novels and mass media.

May you all succeed in finding your bashert and may all those who already found the one for them treasure the beauty of genuine love. The Rebbe also said there comes a time when we no longer think of our union as you and me but us, truly together, committed to each other. Love you all, best wishes in all areas of your life Reply

The Rebbe Taught a Young Woman the Meaning of Love

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion