“Many of the people living in the large Jewish community of Monsey, New York, are native New Yorkers,” says Mr. Klein. “I dare say I represent a large proportion of the people living in Monsey who do not miss the Big Apple at all. There are, however, attractions in the city which are close to our hearts. Although I am not a Lubavitcher, one of the things which I try not to miss when I’m in the city is the chance to receive a dollar from the Rebbe on Sunday mornings.

“I wanted to share this uplifting experience with my neighbors, a couple who had been married for fifteen years without children. At first the couple, affiliated with the Satmar chassidim, were reluctant to consider the option. Eventually, however, the woman decided she would make the trip to New York and seek the Rebbe’s blessing.

“When she returned, the woman disappointedly told my wife, ‘If this was an opportunity to receive a blessing from a tzaddik, then I must have forfeited it.’

“‘What happened?’ asked my wife.

“‘I arrived at “770”,’ the woman explained. “The line of women was very long, so I had ample time to consider how to phrase my request. However, when I finally reached the Rebbe. I was so overwhelmed by the Rebbe’s awesome personality that I could not utter a word.

“‘The Rebbe handed me a dollar and said, Brochah v’hatzlachah (blessing and success). Then he gave me another two dollars saying: These are for the children.

“‘That was that. I was so excited, I didn’t open my mouth and I never got the blessing.’

“My wife eagerly responded, ‘What do you mean, you never got the blessing?’ she cried excitedly. ‘You received a great blessing! The Rebbe gave you two dollars for the children you will have!’

“The woman shrugged, ‘The Rebbe didn’t specifically bless me to have children. I’m sure he routinely gives Jewish women additional dollars for their children.’

“It took some convincing to explain otherwise. However, exactly nine months later there was no need to convince anyone. The woman gave birth to twins.”