After Mr. Gordon Zaks delivered a speech at the Council of Jewish Relations and Welfare Funds, he was invited by the Rebbe to a personal yechidus. As he entered, the Rebbe looked straight at him and began, “Mr. Zacks, I read your speech and it is clear that you have taken care of your mind; I see you and its clear you have cared for your body; what are you doing for your soul?”

Thus began a one and a half hour yechidus, in which the Rebbe implored him to connect to Hashem. “Remember, Mr. Zacks,” said the Rebbe. “If you want to change the world, you must first change yourself.

“When you change, it’s like dropping a pebble in a lake, and there are ripples which influence those around you. Through connecting to G-d in your soul, it will impact the people around you. So remember to focus on yourself first.”

Mr. Zacks left the yechidus, deeply affected. Nineteen years later, when he came on the dollars line, the Rebbe immediately asked him, “What are you doing for the Jewish people and Jewish education?”

The astounded Mr. Zacks felt as if he had just walked out of the Rebbes’ room. “Rebbe, you’re amazing!” he exclaimed.

“Whom does it help that I am amazing? How are you going to help the Jewish people? What are you doing for Jewish education?”