A scholarly explanation of the concept that repeating the teaching of a sage enables "the lips of the tzaddik [to] rustle in the grave while his soul abides in the heavenly academy"

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Details concerning the circulation and publication of Kehot texts; a description of the many texts whose publication the Rebbe supervised; an explanation of the teaching "Yosef hid three treasure stores," making oneself a medium for the influence of the Yosef of our generation

No. 207

This letter is addressed to R. Yaakov Yisrael Zuber, an active communal Rabbi in Sweden.

B"H, Wednesday, 15 Teves, 5706, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greetings and blessings,

Now that sending packages overseas has become considerably easier,[305] we would like to call your attention to some of the printed material that Kehot, which was founded by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, has published over the past four years. All circles of the Jewish community have recognized the important educational contribution [of these texts].

There is no doubt that some - albeit not all - of the material, for [certain texts] is published in English, will be appropriate for your country. For the material published in Lashon HaKodesh and Yiddish will certainly find a circle of readers. And there are also certainly a large number of Swedes who understand English.

At the conclusion of the publication Moreh Shiur, you will find a list of all this printed matter and a list of all the chassidic texts and the talks of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. I am sure you will find [readers] in your community who will also understand these texts.

We are interested in hearing about the educational situation in your country, both among the established residents and among the children of the refugees. We are awaiting your reply.

Our Sages state (Pesachim 119a): "Yosef hid three treasure stores." Yosef was given his name [as a reflection of the prayer:][306] "May G-d add for me another son." [Implied is that Yosef's Divine service involves] the endeavor to transform "another," [one who is estranged from his Jewish roots,] to a "son" (the maamar entitled Ben Poras in Or HaTorah).

Yosef's intent [in hiding] these treasure stores was that they be revealed and have an effect in three [different] manners:

1. That they lead to blessing. Blessings must be given with love which is identified with silver,[307] as is known with regard to the Priestly Blessing[308] and stated as Halachah in the Shulchan Aruch.[309] [This brings about] material influence: wealth and honor. [This is implied by] the statement (in the Talmud, loc. cit.) that one of the treasure stores was revealed to Korach (Or HaTorah, Parshas Vayigash).

2. That they [affect] those who do not observe the Torah and its mitzvos and make them baalei teshuvah. [This also involves] the refinement of the three impure kelipos, [as reflected by] converts. [This is implied by] the statement [in the Talmud, loc. cit., that one of the treasure stores] was revealed to Antoninus.[310]

3. That they elevate the Divine service of those who observe the Torah and its mitzvos to a higher level. [This is implied by] the statement [in the Talmud, loc. cit., that one of the treasure stores] will be revealed to the righteous [in the Ultimate Future].

It is understood that the first two modes are appropriate in the present era with regard to the world's immediate spiritual state. The third mode will be appropriate when the World to Come is manifest in our world. In particular, this applies with regard to the concept of Mashiach motivating the righteous to turn to G-d in teshuvah. This is alluded to in the conclusion of the Talmud passage which states that the third treasure store will be revealed in the Ultimate Future.

It is obvious that it is incumbent on all those who are bonded and connected to Yosef HaTzaddik[311] to make a channel - or at the very least to assist and prepare his surroundings to be a medium - ready to receive the directives and the influence of Yosef including the ultimate Redemption, may it come speedily in our days. That will be brought about by the Holy One, blessed be He, who is also referred to as Yosef; see the commentary of Sifsei Cohen to the Torah as cited in Or HaTorah in the maamar entitled VaYitein Es Kolo.

With the blessing "Immediately to teshuvah; immediately to Redemption,"

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Executive Director

   

Notes:

305. (Back to text) [I.e., after the conclusion of WWII and the immediate post-war turmoil.]

306. (Back to text) [Bereishis 30:24.]

307. (Back to text) [Kessef, Hebrew for "silver," also serves as the root for the verb "yearn."]

308. (Back to text) [As indicated by the blessing recited by the priests before the Priestly Blessing: "who... commanded us to bless His nation Israel with love."]

309. (Back to text) [Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 128:11.]

310. (Back to text) [A pious Roman ruler who shared a close connection with Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi. See Avorah Zorah 10a.]

311. (Back to text) [Here the Rebbe is obviously referring to the Previous Rebbe.]

A scholarly explanation of the concept that repeating the teaching of a sage enables "the lips of the tzaddik [to] rustle in the grave while his soul abides in the heavenly academy"

Table of contents

Search this book:

Details concerning the circulation and publication of Kehot texts; a description of the many texts whose publication the Rebbe supervised; an explanation of the teaching "Yosef hid three treasure stores," making oneself a medium for the influence of the Yosef of our generation