An explanation of the statement in Tanya: "It is impossible for the wicked to begin to serve G-d unless they first repent"

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The need for courageous efforts by Jewish women, particularly in the field of Jewish education

No. 55

This letter was addressed to Dr. Meir Zalman Muscat, a distinguished member of the community of Marietta.

B"H, Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Adar II, 5703

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter dated last Tuesday: I am surprised that you are coming with a allegation against us, for we have never received a letter from you, nor any payment for annual dues. Please, communicate any information which is relevant to us at our address and we will certainly fulfill your request in all its particulars.

The booklets which you just received were sent to you as a sample, and we were surprised that we have not yet received any answer from you regarding them.

We are happy to include you in our membership. This entitles you to receive our monthly publications in an ongoing fashion. We are confident that you will pay your dues and also seek to find other readers, for we are certain that you have already appreciated the value of these publications. The Shmuesen and Talks and Tales should become part of the "family" in every Jewish home.

From the enclosed prospectus, you will see the tremendous endeavors in the field of education that have been undertaken and the different publications published by Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch which is under the presidency of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita. We are sending you examples of our recent publications. Certainly, in your surroundings it is possible to spread these publications and improve the state of Jewish education in general. In particular, I would like to call to your attention the project of Mesibos Shabbos (a record of such activities was sent to you). Perhaps you would be interested in arranging a Mesibos Shabbos in your community?

We have heard of your excellent reputation and are certain that you are genuinely interested in the work of Merkos. We would be happy to hear a report from you in the near future concerning what is being done in your community for Orthodox education.

At the time when Haman arose and sought to destroy the Jewish people, in addition to asking Esther to plead before Achashverosh, Mordechai gathered together Jewish children and taught them Torah, teaching them laws that would be relevant in the time when the Beis HaMikdash would be rebuilt. And as our Sages teach us (the conclusion of Esther Rabbah), this is what led to the nullification of Haman's decree.

This teaches that in a time of difficulty for the Jewish people, one of the fundamental thrusts for saving the Jewish people is educating Jewish boys - and girls - in the spirit of Torah and Yiddishkeit, ingraining within their hearts the hope of redemption that will come speedily in our days led by Mashiach, that they not despair, heaven forbid. And then "the situation will be transformed, and the Jews will rule over their enemies"; and "the Jews will enjoy light, happiness, gladness, and honor."[1]

With hopes of hearing from you in the near future, and with the blessing: "Immediately to teshuvah, immediately to Redemption,"

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [Esther 9:1; 8:16.]

An explanation of the statement in Tanya: "It is impossible for the wicked to begin to serve G-d unless they first repent"

Table of contents

Search this book:

The need for courageous efforts by Jewish women, particularly in the field of Jewish education