1.
In light of the Rebbe’s words in 5748 (1988) about building new homes and buildings, Agudas Chasidei Chabad decided to finally begin the long-awaited, much-needed expansion of 770. The project was led by philanthropist Mr. David Chase, chairman of the Machne Yisrael Development Fund.
2.
Following Mincha on the 17th of Elul 5748 in the Rebbe’s home, Mr. Chase invited the Rebbe to the groundbreaking ceremony of 770, scheduled to take place later that day, at 5PM. The Rebbe responded: “A Jew always makes a deal: if you will say a few words at 5 o’clock in Yiddish – it is your Mamma Lashon — then I’ll try my best to come.”
The sudden notice of the Rebbe’s planned arrival changed plans for the organizers, and a platform with a shtender and microphone was quickly prepared for the Rebbe. Thousands of Chassidim were gathered in front of 770 when at precisely 5:00pm, the Rebbe’s car arrived. The Rebbe, dressed in his silk sirtuk (the customary Shabbos and Yom Tov garb), ascended the platform and began a sicha that lasted for about 10 minutes, learning a lesson from the meaning of the word “groundbreaking.”
Following the sicha, Mr. Chase addressed the crowd, speaking — in English — of his great merit of being able to help rebuild the Rebbe’s shul. He then turned to the Rebbe, saying, “Rabbi, I don’t know what to tell you … I promised to say a few words in Mamma Lashon; all I can tell you is “Ich libe dir, zayer, zayer asach, Rebbe” [“I love you, very, very much Rebbe”]. The Rebbe smiled broadly as he finished speaking. “Next time we get together, I promise I’m going to be able to speak more Yiddish.”
3.
The Rebbe then descended the platform and placed the stone in the enclosed space that had been prepared. Following which, the Rebbe covered the stone with earth, using the shovel that had been designated. The Rebbe then shook hands with Mr. Chase. Following the event, the Rebbe gave out a dollar for tzedakah to all present; men women and children. This lasted for about one hour and a half, while lively music was being played.
4.
In a kuntres released in connection to the expansion of 770, the Rebbe speaks about the virtues of 770 being the Beis Rabbeinu Sheb’Bavel, the temporary place of the Shechinah during the time of galus, and the place of initial revelation of the third Beis HaMikdash. The Rebbe also states that the Rambam’s words that Moshiach “will build the Beis HaMikdash in its place,” also hint that “he will build a Beis HaMikdash in his place” — that while still in his place in galus, before the ultimate Geulah, Moshiach builds a special Mikdash Me’at. This sanctuary serves as a preparation for the Beis HaMikdash of the future, which will return first to there, and only then to Yerushalayim…■