I Meet the Rebbe (Almost!)

The Gates of Hell are where?

I wanted to create a character in Bless the Child, who would be a brilliant old Rabbi, wise in the ways of Mystical Judaism. I had long-ago studied Kabbalah while investigating varied theologies and I knew enough to know I’d need to learn a great deal more, in order to do justice to the complex character I had in mind.

I’d heard of the Rebbe Schneerson, who was regarded to be a saint by many in the large Lubavitch Community he led. Many of his followers even considered him Moshiach. The Messiah. And many miracles had been attributed to him.

My Jewish friends laughed at me when I said I wanted to meet The Rebbe. “You’re not male or Jewish or Hebrew-speaking, so it just won’t happen,” they assured me.

But you know me. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I figured if he was really a saint or the Messiah, he’d know my intentions were pure! My book after all, was to be about the battle between good and evil, as embodied in a magical child and the grandmother who is willing to fight even the devil himself to protect her and humanity itself.

Meet the Rebbe

My petition for an interview with the Rebbe was granted (to everyone’s amazement, including my own) but I was told I needed six months of training with a Rabbi, who would be selected for the task of educating me! I also found out I could wear no makeup, must have a head covering and an ankle length dress for the occasion when I’d meet the great scholar, six months in the future.

A wonderful Lubavitch Rabbi became my guide to learning what I’d need to know for my interview. My mentor was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor about his task. I met his wife, mother and many children in the course of this theological adventure. I got to ask about a thousand questions and learn, learn, learn.

Sadly, a week before my scheduled appointment, the Rebbe Schneerson had a stroke from which he never recovered, so I never had the thrill of actually meeting the man who was to have been the prototype for my story, but after my six months of research and conversations, I was able to create a character with lots of in-depth knowledge.

Rabbinical Wisdom!

When my mentor Rabbi finally read Bless The Child, I waited breathlessly to hear what he thought of it. He paused portentously, then said,

“I liked your Rebbe character in the story, but I have to say I was surprised to find out the Gates of Hell are in Greenwich, Connecticut! Who knew?”