During the seder, the Rebbe would be particularly elated and would read the Haggada in a heartfelt tune. When Reb Berel Junik took the Rebbe’s becher to wash it, the Rebbe told him off for the “balebatishkait” at such an opportune time.

Though some chassidim avoided the Tiferes Yisrael commentary on Mishnayos, the Rebbe said he used it. But when Reb Osher Sasonkin said he would therefore copy the Rebbe, the Rebbe advised him to copy him in other ways.

A famous poet and novelist, Shimon Halkin was considered by many the greatest Jewish poet of his day. When he told the Rebbe why he didn’t visit, the Rebbe told him that it was actually a good sign.

As a bochur, Reb Simcha Werner questioned the Rebbe why it was so bad if he did an aveira once in a while. The Rebbe gazed at him strongly and gave him a contemporary example.

When the Rebbe announced Mivtzah Purim in 5722, some questioned the significance of these “minor mitzvos.” In a yechidus with R’ Yaakov Hanoka, the Rebbe provided an explanation he could share with his former colleagues at Penn University.

R’ Hershel Fogelman merited a unique relationship with the Rebbe. When the Rebbe once wished him to be besimcha, he responded “omein,” but the Rebbe was not satisfied with that.

When R’ Shlomo Cunin brought the Rebbe the key for the first Chabad House in California, the Rebbe asked, “For which Chabad House is this?” and proceeded to explain.

Mr. Yehudah Leib Unger, an entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, PA, invested in a new patent to recycle cloth bags. The Rebbe taught him an important lesson about how to eliminate bacteria and germs.

A unique fatherly relationship formed between the Rebbe and Reb Berel Yunik. When he didn’t look well and didn’t know why, the Rebbe suggested that perhaps it was a secret – from himself.

As a bochur, Bentzion Cohen was guided by his mashpia, Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, to think Chassidus for ten minutes before davening each day. Hearing about this during yechidus, the Rebbe relished in delight and wished for all bochurim to do the same.

After giving Rabbi Yisroel Deren, shliach to Stamford, CT, an extra dollar for his “rabbonus,” and an extra dollar to Mrs. Vivi Deren for helping her husband, the Rebbe turned back and gave Rabbi Deren another dollar.

A bochur learning in 770 was very particular in following halacha, but as time progressed, his stringencies began appearing obsessive. The Rebbe’s advice for him: To have more Yiras Shomayim.

The Rebbe celebrated joy, highlighting its importance in being victorious and calling it “the novelty of Chassidus.” But to one sad chossid, the Rebbe had a very different message.

When a bochur coming close to Lubavitch told the Rebbe of the friction it caused and the opposition he faced, the Rebbe gave him a piece of advice to help him in his journey.

Ever since the Chabad Cheder al taharas hakodesh was established in Bnei Brak, it received tremendous encouragement from the Rebbe. When support was slow, the Rebbe had strong words to say – and personal assistance.

Considering the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch to be part of the wellsprings of Chassidus, the Rebbe encouraged rabbonim to learn and publish in-depth explanations of this special work – even if it means locking the door.

After leaving Russia, the venerable chossid Reb Saadya Liberow went on Shlichus to Central Morocco. When he wrote to the Rebbe that he felt lonely so far from other chassidim, the Rebbe’s answer surprised him.

After being trapped behind the iron curtain for decades, R’ Dovid Okunov came to the Rebbe and shared how they had learned Likuttei Sichos. When asked if they removed the title page with the Rebbe’s name, Reb Dovid’s answer made the Rebbe smile.

When a visitor insisted on receiving from Chanukah gelt given especially to those who went on mivtzoim, the Rebbe explained that he should “trust the Rebbe” that the bracha did not depend on getting the gelt.

Amidst the Sinai campaign of 5717, the Rebbe commended R’ Binyomin Levin for exerting himself to assist in farbrengen preparations. In fact, preparing the Yud Tes Kislev farbrengen was something both the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin did in their youth.