Zalmon Jaffe

We arrived in Israel later that evening – just in time for the baby – but no bris; it was a girl! Rabbi Shemtov had still not regained consciousness. His eldest son, Mendel, had flown from New York over a week ago and – upon our arrival – was still at his...

As stated earlier, the Rebbe had advised me during our yechidus that as soon as we returned from America, we were to visit Israel and Jerusalem, our Holy City. To us it seemed a little early and sudden to travel to Israel for a vacation so soon after spen...

The Rebbe then signaled to me with his eyes – and how eloquent are the Rebbe’s eyes! – to come forward. I walked up to the Rebbe’s podium. The Rebbe handed me a Tanya, saying, “Zol zain b’hatzlocha rabbo.” ([Everything] should be with much success.) While...

We were due to leave 770 on Monday, Sivan 16 (May 26) at 5:30 p.m., directly to Kennedy Airport for our flight back to England. Rabbi Leibel Groner reminded me (not that I required reminding) that the Rebbe had promised to give out the specially autograph...

As the time of our departure was approaching, I took the opportunity of saying farewell to our many friends at 770 and to give personal thanks to those who helped make our stay so memorable and enjoyable. It would be invidious to mention everyone by name....

On Sunday, Sivan 15 (May 25), I had a mini-yechidus with the Rebbe outside of 770. The Rebbe further elaborated on yesterday’s sicha about the Tanya and emphasized, yet again, that if there were any complaints from whatever people or sources about any asp...

At the farbrengen on Shabbos Parshas Nosso, Sivan 14 (May 24), the Rebbe requested that those who had participated in the publication of the Tanya should say “L’chaim” to him. I was facing the Rebbe in the well of the hall in my usual farbrengen place. I ...

Every year, I manage to include an anecdote about the mikvah. Yankel, the guy in charge, is a real businessman. Up until this year, he has always been in “hot water,” and has now diversified his activities. He has transformed the mikvah antechamber into a...

Our apartment was right in the center of things – the very hub of activity. This was so especially during the night when we were trying to sleep. A few hundred yards from our abode is a building that houses a large clock that chimes loudly every quarter o...

Our grandchildren were enjoying a very fine holiday. The five eldest attended school every day and, surprisingly to me, loved it. Twice a day poor SR was busy calling up the electric and gas companies. On the second day after we arrived, a brand new fridg...