Community Magazine July 2021

50 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Partners with the Rebbe Observers of Chernobyl’s remarkable synthesis, blending time-honored tradition with advanced Torah learning, quickly become friends and admirers of the Chernobyler institutions. In addition to the tremendous merit of financing the worthy endeavors of Chernobyl, these donors are easing the tremendous financial burden borne by the Rebbe, allowing him to fully devote his time and energy to the many individuals who seek out his guidance and salvation. The Rebbe does not take the nobility of these donors lightly. As is well known, the Rebbe’s eternal gratitude to those who support his endeavors, in which he has invested his entire heart and soul, manifests itself in the form of abundant blessings and pleas for Divine intercession. The Rebbe spends many hours receiving Jews from all walks of life in search of his sagacious counsel, insight, and prayers on business and family-related matters, as well as downtrodden souls facing difficult challenges in need of salvation and assistance. Yeshu’ot – Salvation Countless well-known stories attest to the miraculous results yielded by the Rebbe’s intercession, prayers, and assurances. A prominent Chernobyl donor, living in the United Stated, called up the Rebbe’s assistant on behalf of his 23-year-old niece. While all the niece’s friends were happily married, she was still at home, waiting. She had an older single brother, and her parents did not want her to get married before him. Not seeing any hope in the near future, she felt depressed and dejected. The donor, knowing that women do not usually enter the Rebbe’s room, asked the gabbai for a one-time exception, in order to allow her tohear theRebbe’s berachah . Due to the sensitivity of theheartbroken girl’s predicament, the gabbai gave her special permission to stand in the roomwhen the donor asked for a berachah . On hearing the girl’s problem, the Rebbe replied in a clear voice: “You have to be happy,” he said. “ Simha is the best segulah – be happy!” The donor asked for the Rebbe to promise a yeshuah , but the Rebbe merely repeated his first reply: she should be b’simha , and everything will work out. The niece heard the Rebbe’s answer; she had to be happy, even though she could not see any hope in the future. The girl decided to make an effort – and it indeed helped: in a short time, her brother was engaged, and that same year she was married! With such berachot , who needs promises? Another well-known story took place several years ago. One of the Hassidimwas invited to an exclusive fundraiser on behalf of the Chernobyl institutions, with a cover charge of $5,000. Although he would give anything to be part of such a cherished occasion in the presence of the Rebbe, his financial situation simply did not allow it. “I simply don’t have the means to spend that kind of money now,” he told the gabbai with a sigh. “The economic situation is difficult, and I don’t have an extra penny. I have no other option but to reject the offer.” The next morning, the donor once again met the gabbai , but this time his voice was upbeat. “I’m coming to the event! I have the money!” he excitedly declared. The Chassid related that he heard from friends that a group was being formed to request that certain bank fees charged somewhat unfairly over the years be reimbursed. He also joined the group, hoping that if they are reimbursed he may also get something back. However, the bank was not agreeing to the reimbursements, and all the requests were denied. The individual knew that if the requests of such high-profile clients were rejected, there was little hope in his claim being honored. Surprisingly, that same morning, the bank called him to say that he will receive $5,000 in compensation, the exact amount needed to attend the fundraiser to support the Chernobyl institutions! “I know it wasn’t in my merit. The money was given for the Rebbe,” he said. “Apparently, when it comes to supporting the Rebbe and his institutions, even the banks are eager to help.” The Rebbe’s upcoming visit to Deal is scheduled for early August. Details will be forthcoming. Deal Connection The Deal community has its own personal connection with the Chernobyler Rebbe. Bahurim from Yeshivat Lev Aharon (Rabbi Laniado) in Jerusalem, among them many of our own children and relatives, regularly visit the Chernobyler Rebbe in Bnei Brak, seeking out the Rebbe’s insightful counsel, hizzuk , and effective berachot .