Rabbi Moshe Hecht, the veteran shliach in New Haven, Connecticut, once found himself $100,000 short of the amount needed to cover the budget for the school he directed. Rabbi Hecht had a plan to raise the sum by finding 100 “friends” who would each donate $1,000. He told the Rebbe of his idea, asking for a blessing that his efforts should succeed.

The Rebbe replied with a blessing, and added : “From one such friend you have certainly not yet received a donation. His name is Menachem Schneerson. Check for participation enclosed.”

Together with the letter was a check for $1,000.