It was a question of showing respect
At one point, the Tosher Rebbe made a motion to the band leader, sending a clear message to the musicians, who later shared the Rebbe’s directive. The illustrious mechutanim were drawing a steady stream of admorim and dignitaries, and although the band welcomed each arriving rebbe with the standard niggun, the Tosher Rebbe had noticed that they were playing the song a bit quicker with each new arrival — they wanted to get to their regular playlist of other niggunim as well.
And this was the Rebbe’s message: Even if musically it wasn’t the right decision, and even if the dancing crowd appreciates variety, for an arriving rebbe, it was a question of showing respect — and throughout the long night, he wanted every single dignitary who made the effort to come to be received the very same way.
(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 863)
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