Showing Kiruvim to the Rebbe

Rabbi Nachman Bernhard was the Rabbi of the largest shul in South Africa for about 5 decades. Before making the decision to move there, he visited the Rebbe, who encouraged him strongly to accept the position. He related the following about that yechidus: ‘It was after 1 a.m. when I entered the Rebbe's office and saw the Rebbe for the first time in my life. The yechidus lasted for over an hour. I felt as if the whole world around us had disappeared and it was only the Rebbe and I. In the yechidus, the Rebbe told me that Jewish life today is being devastated, as if by a fire, and whoever can extinguish the fire, must do so. The Rebbe pointed his finger at me: "You have no right to sit and become a talmid chacham." 

‘I still resisted. I said to the Rebbe: "I have already left an important position for the sake of my children's education. What will happen to them in South Africa?" By then, I had three daughters.

‘The Rebbe answered that the children of every Jew who devotes himself to communal work receive Divine protection. The Rebbe didn't exactly tell me "go," but he calmed my fears about going to South Africa.

‘When I went out of the Rebbe's room I said to myself, "I may not yet be a Lubavitcher Chasid, but from now on I am the Rebbe's Chasid!"

In 1974, after 10 years in South Africa, he made plans to move to Israel. He wanted to see the Rebbe to ask him to recommend someone to replace him. He relates the following about his yechidus at that time:

‘I flew to New York and went into yechidus, which lasted an hour and a half. The Rebbe told me how much I could accomplish in South Africa. Everyone can accomplish best in his own milieu, the Rebbe said, but it is much harder to have an effect in an alien environment. The Rebbe suggested that I remain in South Africa.

‘I let out a big sigh (having had my mind set on the move to Israel). The Rebbe suggested that I visit Israel frequently. I objected that these trips were very costly. The Rebbe smiled and said that he would pay for my ticket, and continued to encourage me to stay in South Africa.

‘Again I sighed, and again the Rebbe asked me, "Why are you sighing? You are fulfilling a Heavenly mission! The hundred thousand Jews that you can affect will bring G-d so much satisfaction!"

‘The Rebbe also spoke about himself. "Don't you think that I also want to be in Israel, near the holiness, but we have responsibilities”.

‘By now I knew that I would return to South Africa. I, however, wished to discuss it further, and I asked if I could have another yechidus on Sunday, to which the Rebbe acquiesced.

That Shabbos the Rebbe gave me extraordinary kiruvim, - extra measures of attention and encouragement. I appreciated this very much, and the first thing I said when I went into his room on Sunday was a word of thanks for the kiruvim.

"Kiruvim are a two-way street,” the Rebbe replied.

"Must I too show kiruvim to the Rebbe?!” I asked in wonder.

"Yes!” 

“What does the Rebbe mean? I have already agreed to accept the Rebbe's advice. I am staying in South Africa”. I asked.

"Yes”, said the Rebbe, “but your decision should not be made with the resignation of one who has reluctantly accepted a decree. Rather, it should come happily and good-heartedly!”