The Rebbe’s Five Star General

By Chana Perman

Of Rabbi J.J. Hecht
Memories abound,
His fiery presence in so much is found.

He blazed a trail with seichel and bren
Vivifying the Rebbe’s words
“Tut altz vus ihr kehn.”

Presiding at rallies in 770,
Jotting the Rebbe’s words, with urgent speed.
He would conclude with a Brochah
Said with heartfelt passion,
Rabbi J.J. Hecht, of inimitable fashion.

A soldier of the Rebbe par excellence
Marched to the beat of a different drummer,
Gevald! What a dance.

Casual in dress but serious in mission,
Of deep Ahavas Yisrael and untiring ambition.

Those fortunate, like me,
Saw firsthand in Greenfield Park,
This sterling soldier
Who upon the world left his mark.

“Good Shabbos Rabbi Hecht,
May we have a song?”
His ringing niggunim
Still echo strong;
Join me, as we remember,
And let us sing along.

Many tears were shed on Tu B’av
When his lofty soul ascended above.

It just seemed impossible
That someone like he
Had completed his mission in Olam Hagashmi.

But what do you think he just might say
(About that day)
When his beloved presence
Seemed to slip away?

Perhaps he would thunder
As was his way,
“Vihachai yiten el libo
Must permeate the day.”

Taking his cue from the Rebbe
He might cry: “Add, and do more!
Aint that the reason you were put here for?”

“Knock the Yetzer Hara OUT”
With might – he would shout,
“Don’t let him get ya, the sneaky fella’,
You know betta’
As a Chasid of the Rebbe!”

It’s been too long,
We yearn to see
Rabbi Hecht beside the Rebbe
In the Bais Hamikdosh Hashlishi.

Please Hashem heed our prayers,
And answer with love.
May we merit Moshiach’s arrival
On this very Tu B’av.