In the 1960s, Rabbi Asher Zeilingold was one of the graduates of the Lubavitcher yeshivah who accepted Rabbinical positions in what were then far-removed Jewish communities. Serving as the Rabbi of the Adath Israel Congregation of S. Paul, Minnesota, Rabbi Zeilingold combined energy, erudition and commitment in his efforts to spread Yiddishkeit in his congregation and in the community at large.

These efforts frequently attracted the attention of the local media. Methodically, Rabbi Zeilingold would collect any write-ups of his activities, and on his trips to New York, or when the pile became uncomfortably large, he would send it to the Rebbe.

One year, Rabbi Zeilingold visited Crown Heights on Lag BaOmer, taking a package of clippings. This time the package was larger than usual, because Rabbi Zeilingold had been honored by his congregation and the local papers had made much of the event.

Before Rabbi Zeilingold left for New York, one of his congregants had entrusted him with a question for the Rebbe. The man was observant, and the head office of the corporation for which he worked was threatening to fire him unless he removed his beard. He wanted the Rebbe’s advice. Rabbi Zeilingold submitted this question to the Rebbe together with his package.

Before leaving for Minnesota, Rabbi Zeilingold asked Rabbi Chodakov, the Rebbe’s personal secretary, if there was an answer for the man. Rabbi Chodakov replied that the Rebbe had not answered yet, but to wait a short while and inquire again.

A little later, Rabbi Chodakov came out with a letter of a page and a half, advising the man to keep his beard, and supplying various explanations that he could give his company. Together with the letter was a picture from Rabbi Zeilingold’s clippings. In the letter, the Rebbe noted that the picture showed the mayor of S. Paul, who was also bearded. “Tell your company,” the Rebbe wrote, “that if this is acceptable for a mayor, who does not wear a beard because of religious beliefs, surely it is acceptable for a Jew who does so out of religious commitment.”

What amazed Rabbi Zeilingold was not the Rebbe’s argument, but the fact that he had singled out the mayor of S. Paul. The picture had been in the middle of the package which Rabbi Zeilingold had sent. Only in the small print of the caption was the mayor mentioned. He understood that the Rebbe had not merely skimmed the clippings, but had read them all, even the captions.

On another occasion, Rabbi Zeilingold visited Crown Heights for Chaf Av, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Rav Levi Yitzchak. He brought a copy of his shul’ s bulletin announcing the coming High Holidays, and submitted it to the Rebbe.

Shortly afterward, Rabbi Zeilingold received a message from Rabbi Chodakov that the Rebbe would like to see him. “After the Minchah service, wait in the corridor outside the Rebbe’s room. When he buzzes, open the door and enter.”

Rabbi Zeilingold was unnerved, not knowing what to expect. As he entered, the Rebbe pointed to the upper right hand corner of the bulletin. Inadvertently, the traditional greeting ב"ה, Baruch HaShem, “with G‑d’s blessings” had been omitted.

“Ever since you accepted the position in Minnesota,” the Rebbe said, “I have read every one of your publications. This is the first time the Baruch HaShem is missing.”