“It’s a Miracle”

I relate the following story, in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday

On the 11th of Nissan a young man was being tried for an offense for which sentencing could range from 5- 20 years and possible deportation.

I advised the young man to increase in the observance of Mitzvahs, especially that of Tefillin. We checked and upgraded his Mezuzahs, gave him a pushka so he could start giving charity each day and we instructed him in reciting Psalms. He meticulously began to observe these Mitzvahs. The trial was to take place in New York. 

When I heard from his family I told them to go to the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his father-in-law the Previous Rebbe to pray and ask for a blessing. They were very hesitant for they had never done such a thing before. “But Rabbi, you don’t expect us to...” I continued to urge them to pray at this holy site, insisting that the Rebbe will surely pray on their behalf.

A week later I heard my phone ringing (when don’t I hear it ring), it was the young man’s mother and she was ecstatic “I went to the Ohel and poured out my heart and asked for a miracle. When I put my hand on the stone at the Ohel I felt that the Rebbe was giving me his blessings. 

At the trial the judge made this statement “Seeing the positive support and efforts of his family and his Rabbis, has influenced me to sentence the accused to probation only, keep up the positive change.” As we left the courthouse, a vehicle pulled up in front of us with plates “A MIRACLE” She ended the conversation saying “ I think the Rebbe answered”

This month marks 102 years since the Rebbe’s birth, he continues to guide us in our work at Chabad. In honor of the Rebbe’s birthday let us listen to his final call of bringing Moshiach. You can help by putting on Tefillin and teach someone else to do the same, light Shabbos candles, put aside a few coins for charity each day. Help us at Chabad on 17th to continue to spread the Rebbe’s teachings and directives by sponsoring one of our many outreach programs, such as Maos Chitim (food for the holiday) to a family in need, educating those who are unfamiliar about Jewish Holidays, their Mitzvahs and significance or supporting our many youth programs throughout the year.

Remember however you give (financially or by increasing spiritually) you are being a partner in the Rebbe’s work.

Have a Kosher and happy Pesach!

Rabbi Avrohom Levitansky