Zalmon Jaffe

I would not be human if I did not include at least some of the praises and tributes I have received for my “diary.” I was very delighted that both the Rebbe and Rebbetzin enjoyed this year’s efforts: My Encounter with the Rebbe, installment 6. Rabbis Chod...

On Tuesday night, Shevat 16 (January 28), the Rebbe was on his way to the (upstairs) shul for maariv, when he noticed a young pretty girl standing in a corner holding a camera. She was Sorele Cousin, aged 11, from London. The Rebbe, anticipating that this...

Mr. Seymour Gorman tells an interesting story. He is a lawyer who was representing a communal organization in certain litigation. He was told that his claim would not succeed because the ancient law, as it stood, was quite adamant on that point. He asked ...

Sunday night, Shevat 14 (January 26), at 12:20 a.m., I entered the Rebbe’s study for yechidus. The Rebbe began by saying: “Sholom Aleichem, Reb Zalmon.” The Rebbe then got right into things and asked, “Why did not Mrs. Zalmon Jaffe come with?” The Rebbe w...

After maariv the Rebbe was expected to come outside for Kiddush Levonah. Last Shavuos the Rebbe told me that it is good to recite this special prayer before leaving on a journey. Though I had already said the monthly prayer before I left England, I did no...

At 1:30 p.m. promptly, the Rebbe arrived for the Shabbos farbrengen. The following are some points the Rebbe made: The Torah says (Shemos 14:10) that upon reaching the Yam Suf (Red Sea), “Vayitzaku” (and they [the Jewish people] cried out). In clarifying ...

We were privileged to be with the Rebbe for Shabbos parshas B’shalach, Shevat 13 (January 25). For me this was a unique experience; it was ten years since I have spent a winter Shabbos with the Rebbe. On Friday evening, Shevat 12 (January 24), after an ex...

Although I was without Roselyn, the Rebbetzin agreed to receive Avrohom and me at her home on two occasions. The Rebbetzin greeted us very warmly and paid me a very nice compliment. She said that I had lost weight and looked well, “umberuffun.” I had join...

Menachem Mendel Katsch was in a flap. He had planned to go to a sale of furs, but he had not yet heard back from the Rebbe about which furs he should purchase. You see, he regularly travels to buy these goods, but he always first submits a list of the off...

It was almost 5 o’clock in the morning when I retired to bed after the farbrengen. I did not attend the earliest minyan for shacharis, so it was quite late by the time I davened. (Chatting to friends beforehand also took time….) In the event, it was well ...