The Groundbreaking

During the farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) that Shabbos, the Rebbe gave a bottle of mashke (vodka) for the groundbreaking ceremony of the
Palace.

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After Shabbos, R’ Zushe asked the Rebbe when the groundbreaking should take place, and whether it should be a national event with major publicity in all the media.

The Rebbe’s response was, “Make the groundbreaking on a yoma d’pagra (a date marking a special occasion), - Purim Katan, and it should not be a national event.

Before flying back to Eretz Yisrael, the Rivkins went for “Dollars”. The Rebbe gave R’ Zushe an extra dollar and said: “This is for the construction!” and the Rebbe said to Mrs. Rivkin, “Surely she also participates in the building.” Then, the Rebbe gave another dollar, the third, and said, “This is for the other buildings.”