Chassidic Story #250

A MUSICAL PRODIGY

One time, when Rabbi Sholom DovBer Shneersohn of Lubavitch travelled from Russia to take a health treatment abroad, he stayed overnight in a hotel in a large city, where he had to see a certain medical specialist. In the room opposite him was a professional singer, a famous theatrical performer in that part of Europe.

The singer was rehearsing one of his songs, and he could be heard clearly in the rooms nearby to him. The Rebbe sent a messenger to tell him that he had omitted a certain movement of the song.

The singing star was astonished. He admitted that indeed it was so, he had skipped over something; but who was such a great expert that he had been able to detect this? When he was told it was the Chassidic Rebbe that was staying across the hall, he was even more amazed.

The singer decided to go introduce himself to this unusual temporary neighbor. He told the Rebbe that he wasn't yet able to reach the note that was required at that point in the song, but he hoped that when he performed the song in the theater before a large audience, he would be sufficiently inspired to be able to produce it as required.

He then requested that the Rebbe please attend his performance. The Rebbe explained to him that it was not possible. It is not part of his life or appropriate to his station to go to theaters.

The singer pleaded with him. "Please! You are such an expert: you have such a sensitive ear and deep understanding. You must come!"

The Rebbe refused.

"Please! Please!" the singer begged. "You are the only one that can truly appreciate what I will accomplish. Please come."

After a number of more heartfelt entreaties, finally the Rebbe acceded-partially. "Because it seems to mean so much to you, I will do as you ask. But only under certain conditions. You must prepare a place for me backstage, a private place where I will be absolutely alone, from where I can hear but not be seen."

The singer agreed happily to the Rebbe's conditions. He arranged a place behind the platform, off to the side, in the wing. The Rebbe came just before the singer was to begin that particular piece. He confirmed that the designated spot was acceptable.

The song began and the Rebbe listened attentively. When the singer came to that point in the song, he succeeded in hitting the required difficult note.

The Rebbe didn't wait for the end of the song. He stood up and left the theater.

Copyrighted © by Ascent-of-Safed, 2002

[Translated and freely adapted by Yrachmiel Tilles from Reshimas Devorim vol. D, p. 209. You may distribute this e-mail as long as full attribution is given, including Ascent's e-mail and internet addresses, as in the heading. BUT PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH THIS STORY IN PRINT OR ELECTRONIC FORM WITHOUT EXPLICIT PERMISSION.]

Biographical note:
Rabbi Sholom-Dovber Schneersohn (Cheshvan 20, 1860 - Nissan 2, 1920), known as the Rebbe Reshab, was the fifth Rebbe of the Lubavitcher dynasty. He is the author of hundreds of major tracts in the exposition of Chasidic thought.