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.
When the legendary mashpia Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman traveled to New York for 10 Shevat 5730, his Talmidim accompanied him to the airport and broke into a chassidishe dance. In the middle of the dancing, one bochur, Bentziyon Cohen, approached him and handed him a $30 check that he had received from his mother, as shlichus mitzva gelt.
When Reb Shlomo Chaim entered Yechidus, he handed the Rebbe the check, saying this is from Bentzion Cohen.
“How is Bentzion doing?” inquired the Rebbe.
“Bentzion learns Nigleh and Chassidus, and thinks Chassidus every day for ten minutes,” the mashpia responded.
“Bentzion thinks Chassidus before davening!” the Rebbe exclaimed with excitement. “Halevai all bochurim will think Chassidus before davening, for five or ten minutes…”
After his mashpia was niftar, Bentzion received personal guidance from the Rebbe in this area. Whereas Reb Shlomo Chaim had directed him to think perek Mem Alef, the Rebbe guided him to also contemplate on the first perek of Shaar Hayichud Veho’emuna.
(As heard from Reb Bentzion Cohen)
From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash
Thank you so much for publishing the article about Rabbi BenTzion Cohen.
It is very inspiring and gives the Emes about this Ovaid in an easy to understand manner.
Gut Shabbos and Gut Chodesh!
Esther Tauby (Rabbi Cohen’s) proud sister-in law)