Editing Shneur Zalman Jaffe (section)

== Connection to the Rebbe ==
On 13 Sivan 5718/1958, his family was involved in a fatal car accident in which his son Gedaliah was tragically killed. The Rebbe sent the couple a letter of consolation.

After recovering from their severe injuries, R' Zalman and his wife decided to visit the Rebbe. In winter 5719/1959, they had their first audience with the Rebbe, receiving encouragement and comfort during an unusually long private meeting lasting several hours.

This audience marked the beginning of R' Zalman's ongoing relationship with the Rebbe, during which the Rebbe showed him many rare forms of closeness. R' Zalman progressively advanced in his personal Chassidic life, becoming the Rebbe's emissary and Chabad activist in his hometown, earning the Rebbe's affectionate nickname "Mr. Manchester."

R' Zalman strived to bring joy to the Rebbe, regularly reporting his activities, giving gifts, and finding ways to add to the Rebbe's happiness. The Rebbe was very fond of him, and the Rebbetzin once related that when she asked the Rebbe why he returned happy from 770, he said R' Zalman had visited for an hour-long private audience.

Throughout his life, R' Zalman corresponded extensively with the Rebbe on various topics, with nearly 300 letters (in English) published from their correspondence.

He also meticulously documented his visits to the Rebbe, and his personal diaries are known for their accuracy and unique Chassidic warmth.