Mrs. Shoshana Cardin, past-president of the National Conference for Soviet Jewry, has a long-standing relationship with the Rebbe and with Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, the Rebbe’s shliach in Maryland. This notwithstanding, there are times when she has taken positions different from those of the Rebbe.

At one point, she wrote a letter to the Rebbe concerning the stand he had taken on a particular issue, explaining the perspective of those who shared opposing views. The Rebbe did not respond.

Several years later, Mrs. Cardin attended one of the conferences of the Machne Israel Development Fund. Each of the participants was given a chance for a brief private meeting with the Rebbe.

When Mrs. Cardin approached, but before she had a chance to speak, the Rebbe told her: “I know I owe you a letter.”

Her amazement at the Rebbe’s memory did not keep Mrs. Cardin from asking the question that had been on her mind. In light of the perestroika introduced by Mikhael Gorbachov, there were forces in the American Congress pushing for the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment instituted to protect human rights and largely Jewish rights in the Soviet Union. “Should the National Conference for Soviet Jewry support this move?” she asked.

“Must the decision be made immediately?” the Rebbe replied.

“No,” Mrs. Cardin conceded.

“Then wait,” the Rebbe responded. “Although there has just been an election, it is not clear in whose hands the power rests. Wait until the time a decision must be made, and then get the most information you can from both inside and outside the Soviet Union. May G‑d help you make the right decision.”

At the time, the Rebbe’s words were difficult to fathom; Gorbachov was at the height of his power. But in the subsequent years, with the abortive Red Army Coup, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Gorbachov’s loss of status, Mrs. Cardin was able to appreciate the visionary nature of the Rebbe’s words.