| When I arrived, I was surprised to see that they had not yet begun the seder. |
For many years I assisted the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, and his wife
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson,
of righteous memory, in their home. One year, the Rebbetzin injured her
foot. I was not aware of the injury until I was notified that the
Rebbetzin
requested my presence at the hospital where she was being treated. By
the time the message was relayed to me and travelled to the hospital the
Rebbetzin had already been discharged and was on her way home.
When I arrived at her home, the Rebbetzin requested, ““I would
appreciate it if you would be able to sleep in the house from now on.” I
agreed, packed a few of my belongings, and moved into a separate floor
of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home. Now that I was staying there, I took
on the responsibility of preparing and serving the Rebbe and Rebbetzin
their meals. I always served the meals, but made sure to give them their
privacy. I never ate at the table with them.
When Passover arrived, I assumed that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would want to spend their
Passover seder on their own, just like they always did. I prepared everything and went to have the
seder
with my elderly parents, who lived not far away, with some of my
siblings. I knew that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would start later than
my parents and I intended to return to serve them the festive meal.
When I returned, I was surprised to see that they had not yet begun the
seder. As soon as the Rebbetzin saw me, she exclaimed, “Shalom! Where did you go? My husband is waiting for you to start the
seder.”
I was shocked. It had not occurred to me that the Rebbe would wait for me before beginning his
seder.
The Rebbe asked me, “Which part of the
seder are you up to?”
Upon hearing my response the Rebbe showed me where I could find
matzah and instructed me to prepare for myself all the other items necessary for the
traditional seder plate. After quickly complying, I joined the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin at their
seder table.
