In the year 5712, there was a gathering during which the
Rebbe met with the Rashag (his brother in law) and the donors of the
Lubavitcher Yeshiva. This was during the week of Parshas VaYetzei, and they
were discussing the upcoming dinner that would benefit the Yeshiva. During the
course of the discussion, they repeatedly asked the Rebbe to participate in the
dinner, but the Rebbe did not consent.
One of the philanthropists there promised $5,000 to the
Yeshiva (in those days!), and added that if the Rebbe would attend the dinner
he would increase it to $10,000. A number of the other attendees as well, when
stating their pledges, promised a significant increase if the Rebbe would
attend the dinner.
After a while, the Rebbe remarked smilingly: “It is now 10
years since “Pearl Harbor”, which resulted, after a few years [due to America
entering the war], to the new concept of an “unconditional surrender”.
“Why must you make conditions?” the Rebbe asked them. In
the spirit of an “unconditional surrender”, you should commit to the increased
donations without any strings attached!”
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