When Reb Mendel Futerfass tried recruiting 770 bochurim for the Kfar Chabad yeshiva, they said they’d only go if they are “shluchim.” The Rebbe’s sharp response shocked Reb Mendel.
As a mashpia at the Yeshiva in Kfar Chabad, during Tishrei 5734, Reb Mendel Futerfass approached some bochurim from Eretz Yisroel who were learning in 770 and asked them to join the yeshiva. He explained that their coming would dramatically help the yeshiva flourish.
The bochurim preferred to stay in the Rebbe’s presence, in 770, but agreed to come, nonetheless. Their only condition was that they should be sent by the Rebbe, thereby meriting the title “shliach.”
When Reb Mendel reported his success to the Rebbe, he was shaken by the response:
“When a Tomchei Temimim yeshiva bochur follows the instruction of his mashpia, as stated in the sichos of the Rebbe Rashab, the term shliach cannot apply.
“For mimo nafshoch (whichever way you put it): If he is already a bochur in Tomchei Temimim as the Rebbe expects, he doesn’t need to be a ‘shliach.’ And if chas vesholom he isn’t as expected, I should not be suggested to say about him shlucho shel odom kemoso (that he like the one who sent him).”
(Mikdash Melech vol. 3 p. 153)
From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash
Discussion
In keeping in line with the Rabbonim's policies for websites, we do not allow comments. However, our Rabbonim have approved of including input on articles of substance (Torah, history, memories etc.)
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.