“I had been anxiously awaiting this message from the Rebbe’s secretary. I set out for “770” immediately, eager to be able to relate the Rebbe’s response to my dear sister, who had been hospitalized with suspected cancer. The doctors had not been encouraging. Some spoke of using painkillers; others recommended an operation.

“I had written a heartfelt letter to the Rebbe describing my sister’s illness and hospitalization, and I felt equally emotional now as I rushed into his office. The Rebbe’s reply and blessing were encouraging. ‘There is no need to operate. The diagnosis is in error and your sister’s condition is not grave. May she recover soon and resume a healthy life.’

“The Rebbe’s secretary afforded me a moment to express my joy and relief and then said softly, “I can understand how distraught and nervous you had been when writing the letter. Nevertheless, one must always try to concentrate more when writing to the Rebbe.’

“I looked at him in question. What was the reason for this gentle reprimand?

“The secretary continued. ‘If the Rebbe himself had not told me that the blessing was for your sister and that the reply was intended for you, I would never have been able to contact you. You see, in your letter you wrote all about your sister, but you forgot to state her name. You didn’t sign your own name, either.’

“The Rebbe’s reply prompted us to ask another doctor to check my sister’s condition. His findings confirmed the Rebbe’s answer.”