Reb Chanoch Hendel Lieberman was one of the first to communicate a genuine appreciation of chassidic life in the world of art. His experiences in the Russian chassidic community were expressed through oil and canvas, bringing an awareness of Chassidism to many who would not enter a synagogue.

Reb Hendel was himself a unique picturesque personality whose constant celebration of life touched all those who came in contact with him. Up to his last days in 1976, he conducted the singing at every farbrengen like a true maestro, following the bidding of the Rebbe. One only had to watch his radiant face to see how he cherished this delightful role.

The overwhelming majority of Reb Hendel’s paintings were of the chassidic shtetl in Russia. Nevertheless, during one yechidus, the Rebbe asked him to draw a painting depicting Uforatza, the Biblical term1 meaning “you shall spread out,” which is associated with Lubavitch’s outreach efforts to spread Jewish consciousness.

Seeing this as a unique opportunity, Reb Hendel asked the Rebbe to explain the visual image he associated with the word.

The Rebbe told him, “Imagine a broad river with a fast-moving current. A carefully constructed dam in the midst of the river regulates the flow of the water and controls the directions to which it is diverted.

“This is the idea of Uforatza to control and direct the flow of water, enabling it to reach the fields and irrigate them, and cultivate fine produce.”

In 1957, Reb Hendel felt a general sense of weakness and acute stomach pains. The doctors discovered abdominal cancer. No doctor would operate, because the chances of recovery would be small. With grim solemnity, they told Reb Hendel that he had only several months to live.

Reb Hendel went to see the Rebbe. “You will recover,” were the Rebbe’s encouraging words.

“But Rebbe, that is totally above the natural order,” Reb Hendel said. He trusted the Rebbe, but was surprised at his promise.

“Lubavitch has endured more difficult circumstances,” replied the Rebbe. “Nevertheless, you must find a doctor who will perform the operation.”

Reb Hendel consulted numerous doctors, but to no avail. As each one reviewed his file and examined the X-rays, they shook their heads in refusal. In his search for a willing physician, he came across one elderly non-Jewish professor, who at first also refused. In desperation, Reb Hendel told him that he was advised to undergo the operation by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe?” repeated the professor slowly. “I just read an article about him in the New York Times. Look, if you ask my professional opinion, I would tell you not to undergo the operation. However, the New York Times describes the Rebbe as having access to supernatural powers. If you’re prepared to rely on those powers, then I will be prepared to perform the operation.”

The complicated operation required the removal of three-quarters of his stomach. At one critical stage, the professor had a call placed to the Rebbe’s office at “770”: “Tell the Rebbe to activate those supernatural powers.”

The secretary immediately conveyed the message to the Rebbe, who assured him that all would be well. Indeed, the operation was successful and Reb Hendel resumed a normal life. Despite the reduced size of his stomach, he was able to eat and drink normally. He lived for eighteen years after the operation, even managing an occasional lechaim.