Eliezer Steinman was a well-known Israeli authority on Chassidism. He wrote about various chassidic streams, including Lubavitch. Before writing about Lubavitch, Mr. Steinman contacted the chassidic writer, Rabbi Chanoch Glitzenstein of Jerusalem, for source material. Being an author himself, Rabbi Glitzenstein wondered whether a person who did not live a chassidic lifestyle would be able to communicate an authentic picture.

He consulted the Rebbe, who encouraged him to assist Mr. Steinman, despite his secular orientation. The Rebbe added that Rabbi Glitzenstein should refrain from making any comments about religious practice.

Rabbi Glitzenstein offered Mr. Steinman extensive help and direction. Although as a Lubavitch chassid committed to outreach, it was difficult to avoid any mention of religious practice, he was careful to follow the Rebbe’s directive. In time, Mr. Steinman himself initiated a direct contact with the Rebbe and began to correspond with him.

Over the many months of contact with Rabbi Glitzenstein, the author and his wife began to seek his assistance in obtaining various religious items. Beginning with a request for a machzor from which they could pray during the High Holidays, the couple soon inquired about other religious necessities. At their own pace, the Steinmans made a turnover in their lifestyle, creating quite a sensation in the cultural circles of secular Israeli society.

Some time later, Mr. Steinman confided in Rabbi Glitzenstein. “You should know that throughout our relationship, I was expecting you to lecture me on religion. I had planned to reproach you for foisting your beliefs on others. But contrary to my expectations, you respected my tendency to make my own decisions, and did not mention my personal religious practice at all. That was more convincing to me than any lecture.”