Mrs. Racy Yurkowicz, a resident of Lod, Israel, shares remarkable tales from her life. Her early memories involve the Chabad community in Crown Heights and the interactions with the Rebbe. Unforgettable Moments with the Rebbe and Miraculous Events
Early Memories of the Chabad Community
As a little girl in elementary school, Mrs. Yurkowicz grew up in the small Chabad community in Crown Heights. During Shabbat farbrengens, they would play in the alleys near 770, careful not to disturb others. But when the chasidim began singing, they would come inside. One day, as the Rebbe came out and turned toward his home, they all lined up and received his warm greetings. This became a special opportunity for them to bask in his attention.After that, they made sure to be in that spot after every Shabbat farbrengen. Her father, Rabbi Yehoshua Pinson, served as the gabbai at 770 for about thirty years. Although his position might seem to give them special access, he made sure not to bother the Rebbe with their family's needs.
The Engagement and Loss of Mother
In 1974, Mrs. Yurkowicz became engaged to her husband, Rabbi Boruch Yurkowicz. However, this happy occasion was overshadowed by the recent passing of her mother, Rebbetzin Lieba Pinson. The period after her mother's tragic car accident was very hard. She was left alone with her father and then her older sister moved in with them, causing conflicts due to her sister's moodiness.Before going to see the Rebbe, she wrote about all this in her note. When she entered the audience, she was emotional and crying. The Rebbe was very sympathetic, understanding her pain and giving her good advice. He told her not to judge her sister and to remember that pregnant women are often moody. This advice gave her the conviction that her troubles would pass.
The Incident with Shmulik
After getting married and living in Morristown, New Jersey, they would occasionally come back to Crown Heights and stay with her sister. In 1981 during the High Holidays, their three-year-old son, Shmulik, got separated from his father in the crowd and decided to go home by himself. He knew the way and felt comfortable. But he got hit by a car while crossing Brooklyn Avenue. Thankfully, he was okay and a doctor said they didn't need to take him to the hospital.The next day, they wrote a note to the Rebbe telling him what had happened and asking for advice. The Rebbe's answer was that they had registered Shmulik in Tzivos Hashem. This organization, started by the Rebbe the year before, aimed to instill Torah ideals in Jewish children. They immediately signed Shmulik up again to fulfill the Rebbe's instructions.
