A farbrengen on paper; the mystical significance of the dates on which the Megillah is read

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Soliciting involvement in Machne Israel; the spiritual significance of the half-shekel donation

No. 65

This letter is addressed to Rabbi Menachem Zev Greenglass, one of the leaders of the Lubavitch community in Montreal.

B"H, Thursday, 11 Adar II, 5703

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter - forgive the delay. I have been very involved in preparing the calendar for Chabad Chassidim which will be published in the coming days.

1. A while ago, we wrote you with regard to establishing a Beis Rivkah [school for girls]. It is with great amazement that we see this suggestion has been overlooked without comment. From our friend Reb Shmuel Levitin,[1] we did not hear sufficient reasons why this matter should be postponed for such a long time.

   Every day that passes represents a loss for which no compensation is possible. How many girls and young women could be transformed - with regard to themselves - into observers of the Torah and its mitzvos - and with regard to their influence upon others - into examples and models of the changes in conduct that could be accomplished through the educational system appropriate for Beis Rivkah.

   This is particularly true in the light of the teachings of Chassidus. Were this educational system to inspire even one girl to make an extra blessing beyond those which she would ordinarily make, she would become united in a consummate bond with G-d's will. And in the spiritual realms, this union is eternal and everlasting.[2] Certainly, we have to understand the meaning of these statements. Nevertheless, [regardless of our understanding or lack of it], the Alter Rebbe testifies that this is so. Moreover, there is a renowned ruling of the Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Teshuvah 3:4) which states that a person should always look at himself as equally balanced, and the world as equally balanced, and with one positive act, [he could tip the scales toward deliverance and salvation].

   Until when will the matter be postponed? My intent is not to offer rebuke and criticism. It is just that I am amazed why the matter remains unattended. I am writing this to you, since you would reply to this question in the name of all the temimim.

2. Would you be so kind to inform us with regard to the resolution of the matter concerning the youth ..... from Vancouver.[3] In this regard as well, the same comments raised with regard to the first question also apply. Is the organization of food and accommodations for one youth such a difficult matter?

3. Your directions with regard to sending the packages arrived late. In the future, we will send them as per your instructions.

4. Your request with regard to the HaKeriah VehaKedushah and the moneys were passed on at that time. This also applies with regard to Reb Avraham Parris. His account is also enclosed. Needless to say, you will certainly hurry to pay the outstanding debt, for the lack of money is holding back the publication of certain texts.

5. Please continue writing your memoirs. Also please return to me the notes [of the Previous Rebbe's remarks] which I sent you to copy.

6. What are the results stemming from the distribution of the Shmusen in the high schools?

To conclude with a discussion of the custom associated with the present day:[4] With regard to the half-shekel, it is written:[5] "The wealthy should not give more, nor should the poor give less"; everyone gives equally.

Our Sages relate (Megillah 13a) that the gift of the half-shekalim nullified Haman's decree. That decree threatened all Jews equally, "from the young to the old."[6] See the discussion of this concept in Sichas Purim, 5701. And the Jews were saved through their commitment of mesirus nefesh, a quality that is shared by all Jews, even the most unworthy, as stated in Tanya, ch. 19: "Compared to Him, all are foolish and unknowing."

May G-d hastily enable us to merit the coming of Mashiach, whose arrival [is also associated with a state of not knowing,] "when our attention is diverted," as stated in Sanhedrin 97a. As [Tanya,] Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 4, states: "This is the revelation of the inner point of the heart." This potential exists within all Jews equally, from the great to the small, for "they are all interrelated and share one Father," as stated in Tanya, ch. 32. (In contrast, with regard to "their source in the living G-d," they are different in stature and level.)

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

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [Who visited the Montreal community shortly before this letter was composed. See Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe Rayatz, Vol. VII, p. 150ff., 182.]

2. (Back to text) [The Rebbe is referring to Tanya, ch. 25.]

3. (Back to text) See Igros Kodesh, Letter No. 51, which speaks about a youth from Vancouver who had applied to the yeshivah in Montreal.

4. (Back to text) [In that year, the Fast of Esther was commemorated on Thursday, Adar 11, the date on which the letter was written. It is customary to give three half-dollars to recall the donation of the half-shekel on the day of that fast.]

5. (Back to text) [Shmos 30:15.]

6. (Back to text) [Esther 3:13.]

A farbrengen on paper; the mystical significance of the dates on which the Megillah is read

Table of contents

Search this book:

Soliciting involvement in Machne Israel; the spiritual significance of the half-shekel donation