They Should Know Who is Boss

Rabbi Reuven Dunin had the exceedingly rare privilege of unrestricted access to the Rebbe. He once related the following story:

“One night of yechidus (private audiences) I was in 770 waiting for the Rebbe to leave his room and go home. When it was already after midnight, I went outside 770 to wait for the Rebbe there. Suddenly, police cars blocked all approaches to 770, snipers went up on the roofs all around and a helicopter hovered over.

Secret agents set up a human blockade on the steps leading to 770 and examined every inch. Then a few limousines pulled up and several men came out and went directly to the Rebbe’s room. Outside, the agents continued to keep guard not allowing anyone to approach the area.

After about half an hour, they all left. “I was curious and so I went to the Rebbe and asked him who the people were. The Rebbe said they were from the Atomic Energy Commission.

I asked the Rebbe what they wanted and the Rebbe said they had a question that they were unable to solve for a long time and so they came to consult with him.

“Did the Rebbe help them?” I asked. “Yes,” said the Rebbe.  I said - “Why? The dropping of the atom bomb was a terrible thing …”

“Three reasons,” said the Rebbe. “First, their plans are for civilian reactors used for peaceful purposes. Secondly, the United States is a country that does chesed  (kindness) with Jews and I must help it.

Thirdly, so that they should know who is the Balabos (who is in charge).” This insight, that the Rebbe is not only a tzaddik and spiritual leader, but the head and brain of us all and therefore, the boss of everything – was part of Rabbi Dunin’s basic awareness of what a Rebbe is.