Bassie Posner, an American-born woman whose parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia, corresponded with the Rebbe as she searched for a suitable marriage partner. In 1958, she married Rabbi Gershon Mendel Garelik, a recent immigrant from the Soviet Union. Shortly after, the couple requested a shlichus to spread Judaism on the Rebbe's behalf, and by late November that year they relocated to Milan, Italy.
The adjustment to life in Milan proved demanding for Mrs. Garelik. While pregnant, she played an active role in community initiatives including organizing a day camp, work that strained her considerably. She wrote to the Rebbe describing her difficulties, and by early August reported that her circumstances had begun to improve.
"I was pleased to read in it that your general mood has improved," The Rebbe responded weeks later in English, "and may G-d grant that you enjoy the fullest measure of peace of mind and contentment. All the more so as the merit of the community and the mission which you and your husband have will certainly stand you in good stead to have success in your public as well as private affairs."
During their first ten months in Milan, Rabbi Garelik traveled to New York for Chof Av, the yartzeit of the Rebbe's father. The Rebbe used this opportunity to inquire about Rabbi Garelik's relationship with his wife, having developed through years of correspondence an understanding of Mrs. Garelik's needs. In his response, Rabbi Garelik concluded with a phrase expressing reservation about his words of praise for her. The Rebbe amended this, instructing that he "should have written so much of her praise" And underlining the phrase "at length."
The Rebbe's chief aide, Rabbi Chaim Hodakov, subsequently asked whether Rabbi Garelik planned to bring his wife a gift from New York. When Rabbi Garelik mentioned cake, Rabbi Hodakov suggested instead something in gold. Rabbi Garelik selected a wristwatch, with Rabbi Hodakov's assistance in choosing from a selection brought by a jeweler to Lubavitch World Headquarters. After the Rebbe reviewed the options, Rabbi Hodakov conveyed instructions to either modify one watch by combining elements of two or to purchase a specific one. The Rebbe also gave Rabbi Hodakov a machzor as his own gift for Mrs. Garelik.