The importance of providing Jewish education for girls

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The spiritual sequence of Rosh HaShanah, the Ten Days of Teshuvah, and Yom Kippur

No. 101

The following is the text of a letter that was written with the intent that it be translated into English and sent to Jewish soldiers serving in the American armed forces.

Erev Rosh HaShanah, 5704

Greetings and blessings,

We are sending you a small pamphlet [containing] a digest of a talk [given by] my revered father-in-law, the Lubavitcher Rebbe shlita, words of encouragement which arouse trust in G-d. Included are also the first passage of the Shema and several chapters of Tehillim which the Rebbe shlita selected [for soldiers] to recite on specific occasions, as stated in the pamphlet. We are certain that you will read [the pamphlet] frequently and from it derive powerful faith, strength of heart, love for your fellow man, and closeness to your faith and to the Torah and its mitzvos.

I would also like to quote several words which the Rebbe shlita said at a large assembly:

It is a great mitzvah and a sacred obligation for everyone to publicize the following words and relate them to every one of our Jewish [brethren] serving in the army, navy, or air force.

Our Sages state:[1] "Everyone who puts on tefillin will live a long life."

Brethren serving in the army! Be careful to put on tefillin every weekday.

If it is impossible for a soldier to put on tefillin in the morning, he may put them on in the afternoon, as long as it is before sunset.

This is the mystic medium through which G-d will bring you back to your homes in peace.

Be careful in your observance of the mitzvos and, in particular, in your observance of this mitzvah; encourage all of your friends to do the same.

As the new year approaches, we wish you a good and sweet year, one in which speedily "wickedness will be annihilated in smoke,"[2] the new year and its blessings will begin, and you will return to your homes healthy and uninjured, having distinguished yourselves as Jews and as Americans. May we all, together with our brethren, the entire Jewish people, merit the ultimate Redemption to be led by Mashiach, speedily in our days.

May you be inscribed for a good year!

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [Menachos 44a.]

2. (Back to text) Cf. the Rosh HaShanah liturgy, Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 272.

The importance of providing Jewish education for girls

Table of contents

Search this book:

The spiritual sequence of Rosh HaShanah, the Ten Days of Teshuvah, and Yom Kippur