An explanation of the statement that the angel Michael would exchange all of his spiritual service for the sake of one of the four tzitzios of a Jew

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The Divine service of Rosh HaShanah; its connection to the spiritual significance of ritual slaughter

No. 394

This letter was addressed to R. Yaakov Katz, an active member of the Jewish community in Chicago and one of the primary supporters of Lubavitch in its early years in the U.S.

B"H, 18 Elul, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

I ask your forgiveness for not answering your letter until now. The reason is that -- in addition to the ordinary concerns and preoccupations of Merkos -- [I was involved] in preparing the text Kitzurim VeHaaros LeSefer Likkutei Amarim for print. I had desired that [the text] be completed at least no later than 18 Elul. ([To produce this text,] it was necessary to work over several manuscripts and the like.)

We will send you a copy as well as a copy of the kuntreis for Chai Elul which both will soon be brought from the binder. Please acknowledge your receipt of them.

My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, instructed me to write to you. According to his understanding, you should have met Mr. Kishin and spoken with him, [attempting to] interest and involve him in the institutions of my father-in-law Shlita without waiting for any preparations.

My heartiest thanks for the help you gave our emissaries.[434] Nevertheless, a Jew always has complaints:

1. What was the reason for the fear of saying that they were emissaries of Merkos?

2. Why is it that when it comes to material matters, Merkos loses more when [sending emissaries to] Chicago than to other cities? This year this was also true.

Why am I addressing my complaints to you? The reason [can be explained on the basis of a story] my father-in-law, Shlita, once told me. When he was studying in cheder and one of the other boys did something undesirable, the teacher would punish my father-in-law, Shlita, telling him: "You are not to blame and yet I am punishing you. Surely the one who is to blame must be frightened!"

Please, forgive me again for not answering until the present. With blessings for a kesivah vachasimah tovah,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

434. (Back to text) [See Letter 338.]

An explanation of the statement that the angel Michael would exchange all of his spiritual service for the sake of one of the four tzitzios of a Jew

Table of contents

Search this book:

The Divine service of Rosh HaShanah; its connection to the spiritual significance of ritual slaughter