Life for Yidden in Communist Russia was fraught with danger. The Soviet government worked tirelessly to uproot every trace of Yiddishkeit, and anyone who dared to resist often disappeared without a trace.

There was once a Yid who was facing a trial in a Soviet court, knowing full well that his chances of an acquittal were slim to none. Desperate for a yeshuah and wanting to do the utmost hishtadlus, he decided to spend the final Shabbos before his trial in the presence of the Rebbe.

Under the Communist regime, organizing a minyan was a severe crime that could easily result in exile to the frozen labor camps of Siberia. To avoid detection by the authorities, the Rebbe’s minyan constantly shifted locations, moving to a different secret spot every week. That particular Shabbos, the minyan was held in a house located quite a distance from the Rebbe’s home.

Despite his exhaustion, the guest was determined to daven with the Rebbe and made the difficult trek. On Shabbos morning, he accompanied the Rebbe to the minyan once again. However, on the long walk back to the Rebbe’s house after davening, a sudden torrential downpour left him completely drenched.

When the time for Mincha arrived later that afternoon, the exhausted Yid decided he had walked enough for one Shabbos. He figured he would simply daven Mincha b'yechidus in the warmth of the Rebbe’s home.

But the Rebbe had other plans and urged him to join the minyan. "Moshe, it is time for Mincha," the Rebbe said.

Moshe pointed down at his soaking wet shoes. "Rebbe, I can't walk such a long distance in wet shoes," he pleaded.

Without a word, the Rebbe stepped out of the room. A minute later, he returned holding a pair of old, dry shoes. Left with no more excuses, Moshe put them on, and the two headed out together to daven Mincha with the Rebbe's minyan.