The interpretation of the phrase al picha yishak kol ami; guidelines in teaching Chumash to children

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The ability of children to bring about change within the Jewish people and the world

No. 59

This letter was addressed to Rabbi Yaakov Ozer Dubrov, an active Rabbi in Washington, DC.

[3 Adar II, 5703]

Allow me to approach you with the following request: There is a young man now working in the army in Washington. His name is .... The young man's father is G-d-fearing and the youth himself is soft-hearted and receptive to positive influence. Every day he has some free time, and it is possible to encourage him, with G-d's help, to put on tefillin and to eat kosher also in his place of work.

The young man will be visiting you. Please draw him close by giving him both material and spiritual attention. And please advise us of the success of your efforts. Thanking you in advance [for your cooperation].

Speaking about one soldier [brings to mind others]. Perhaps it is possible for you to speak to other people who are motivated by the fear of G-d to establish a committee to provide kosher food for Jewish soldiers[1] positioned in your city. In several large cities, such committees have been formed and they have been able to save many Jews from eating non-kosher food.

You may take for granted that we will be willing to help you in this undertaking in whatever way possible.

To conclude with a reference to the weekly Torah portion with regard to a difficult matter which I noticed recently.[2] There are two opinions with regard to when the parshiyos Terumah and Tetzaveh were communicated: one that they were communicated before the making of the Golden Calf (Zohar, Vol. II, p. 195a) and the other, that they were communicated afterwards (Midrash Tanchuma, Parshas Terumah;[3] Rashi's commentary[4]).

These two opinions correspond to the difference of opinion between Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korchah and Rebbi recorded in Zevachim (115b). From the Zohar, Vol. II, p. 224a, however, it appears that, [not only the command to build] the Sanctuary, but also the actual donations preceded the making of the Golden Calf. Contemplation [concerning these matters] is required.[5]

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

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [See Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe Rayatz, Vol. VII, Letters No. 1943 and 1963; Vol. XII, Letter No. 4560.]

2. (Back to text) See above Letter No. 57.

3. (Back to text) [Section 8.]

4. (Back to text) [Shmos 31:18, 33:11.]

5. (Back to text) [See Likkutei Sichos, Vol. VI, p. 153ff.]

The interpretation of the phrase al picha yishak kol ami; guidelines in teaching Chumash to children

Table of contents

Search this book:

The ability of children to bring about change within the Jewish people and the world