In 1917, while the War was ongoing, a destitute colonel approached the Bohusher. It was the Sabbath and the Bohusher was in the midst of his prayers. The colonel desired an audience, but the Bohusher was hesitant to receive him since it was the Sabbath. Despite this, the colonel persisted and argued that his audience was related to the War and that he must see the Rebbe. Eventually, the Bohusher consented, but only on the condition that the entire oylam (public) should come along. The colonel agreed and went into the Rebbe’s room. He told the Rebbe that he came regarding a matter that was troubling him, and he had no peace of mind as a result.      He was originally born as a Christian, he first went to the Metropolis but was not given a satisfactory answer. Therefore, he decided to approach the head of the Jewish religion – the Bohusher. But before he reveals his problem, he will introduce himself. He is a high-ranking officer in the army, holding multiple doctorates in Philosophy, Chemistry, Engineering, and Law. He is also a journalist and a freethinker. As a lawyer, he is responsible for having soldiers swear loyalty to their country, as he is a great patriot. But simultaneously, as a freethinker, he wants to know      whether the oath the soldiers take according to his formulation is correct or not. The Rebbe instructed the officer to repeat his titles, and he did so. The Rebbe asked the officer to repeat his titles, and he did so. Then, the Bohusher asked him, “What are the different hair colors that humans have?” The officer responds with “brown, black, blond, and grey.”

“And birds?” 

The officer listed off a variety of colors, including almost all the colors of the rainbow. The Rebbe then questioned him, “Why do humans only have a limited range of colors, while birds have such a vast array?” The officer was unsure how to respond. The Rebbe then asked him, “Maybe you can provide an answer based on the teachings of chemistry?” “No,” replies the officer. The Rebbe proceeded to list all the domains in which the officer held a doctorate, but still, the officer was at a loss for an answer. Finally, the Bohusher declared, “Do you know why birds are so colorful? It’s because God made them that way. This is proof that there is a God in the world! So, there is no need for you to be concerned because the soldiers are taking an oath to God, not to you.” Upon hearing this, the officer prostrated himself at the feet of the rebbe and kissed them. Then, he directed himself towards the oylam and shouted out to them, “You should be proud to have such a leader of your religion. I wish for all of you to be healthy and all the best.”

Y.F. 

Isaac Braunstein

(Israel)

Was present during the story