When I arrived, I was surprised to see that they had not yet begun the seder. For many years I assisted the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, and his wife Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory, in their home. One year, the Rebbetzin injured her foot. I was not aware of the injury until I was notified that the Rebbetzin was requesting my presence at the hospital where she was being treated. By the time the message was relayed to me and travelled to the hospital the Rebbetzin had already been discharged and was on her way home.
When I arrived at her home, the Rebbetzin requested, ““I would appreciate it if you would be able to sleep in the house from now on.” I agreed, packed a few of my belongings, and moved into a separate floor of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home. Now that I was staying there, I took on the responsibility of preparing and serving the Rebbe and Rebbetzin their meals. I always served the meals, but made sure to give them their privacy. I never ate at the table with them.
When Passover arrived, I assumed that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would want to spend their Passover seder on their own, just like they always did. I prepared everything and went to have the seder with my elderly parents, who lived not far away, with some of my siblings. I knew that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would start later than my parents and I intended to return to serve them the festive meal.
When I arrived, I was surprised to see that they had not yet begun the seder. As soon as the Rebbetzin saw me, she exclaimed, “Shalom! Where did you go? My husband is waiting for you to start the seder.”
I was shocked. It had not occurred to me that the Rebbe would wait for me before beginning his seder.
The Rebbe asked me, “Which part of the seder are you up to?”
Upon hearing my response the Rebbe showed me where I could find matzah and instructed me to prepare for myself all the other items necessary for the traditional seder plate. After quickly complying, I joined the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin at their seder table.
