The Alter Rebbe’s desire for there to be a Lubavitch corner in every Jewish community; the apparent contradiction between G-d’s omniscience and man’s free choice

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Engagement blessings; the need to break the cycle of complacency and begin outreach activities in earnest; the importance of connecting Jews with the Previous Rebbe

No. 443

This letter was sent to R. Shneur Zalman Butman, at that time one of the active members of the chassidic brotherhood in Paris.

B"H, 10 Shvat, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 2 Shvat and the accompanying list of the participants in the division of the Talmud in your synagogue:

1. I brought the list to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. Enclosed is his letter in response. In my humble opinion, it would be desirable to make a copy of his letter and hang it on the wall of the synagogue so that “the envy of the scholars will increase knowledge.”[171] See the maamar entitled Heichaltzu, [5659,] sec. 15.

2. You will no doubt hang a list of the participants in the division of the Talmud on the wall of the synagogue. This will reinforce them and serve as a positive remembrance in the sanctuary of G-d.[172] This is Lubavitch custom.

3. Enclosed is a kuntreis[173] that was just published. It is being sent to you to share with people at large.

4. Note carefully the third letter at the conclusion of the kuntreis.[174] What else must my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, do for a spirited and lively voice to be heard in the women’s section of the chassidic brotherhood and, in particular, with regard to the education of girls?

5. I see the name of R. [Menachem] Teichtel on your list. Would you please find out if he received my letter (a response to his letter) of Yud-Tes Kislev.

With greetings for a joyous Purim for all the members of the congregation and especially to the gabbaim; with wishes for the welfare of the entire fellowship and for your family,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

171. (Back to text) [Bava Basra 21a; i.e., those who did not merit to have their names mentioned in the letter to the Rebbe will be envious of the response and seek to participate in such activities in the future.]

172. (Back to text) [Cf. Zechariah 6:14.]

173. (Back to text) [The Rebbe is referring to Kuntreis Yud/Yud-Gimmel Shvat 5709, later printed in Sefer HaMaamarim 5709, p. 25ff.]

174. (Back to text) [Ibid., p. 47; the Previous Rebbe’s Igros Kodesh, Vol. VII, p. 54ff.]

The Alter Rebbe’s desire for there to be a Lubavitch corner in every Jewish community; the apparent contradiction between G-d’s omniscience and man’s free choice

Table of contents

Search this book:

Engagement blessings; the need to break the cycle of complacency and begin outreach activities in earnest; the importance of connecting Jews with the Previous Rebbe