In answer to one questioning capital punishment (and any form of punishment) on the ground of compassion, etc. – the Rebbe’s brief answer underlines 1. the basic principle of benefit for the person being punished as well as for the society and 2. the belief in afterlife, which helps us understand the concept of punishment.
During this Three Weeks period, a challenging time in our Jewish history – we share a letter of the Rebbe, written to an artist, in which he gives an in-depth analysis of the purpose of challenges. Where trials, tests and difficulties are the way to attain our ultimate objective and goal in life – the very reason for our existence.
Having just begun our “summer vacation” – it would serve us well to remember and internalize the Rebbe’s clear message to students about their summer vacation: what it means and what it should be.
In the week of P’Chukas – we share a letter in which the Rebbe addresses the argument that accepting the mitzvos on faith limits one’s independent thinking – with the logical approach of “na’asseh v’nishma”. The Rebbe weighs the pros and cons and the odds involved of this approach.
In his letter this week – when we read of the strife of Korach and his congregation – the Rebbe emphasizes the importance and necessity of peaceful and harmonious relationships. The Rebbe advises the people in the congregation whose opinions differ to discuss and settle their differences in a friendly way and gives them some encouraging food for thought.
In the week when Moshe sends his emissaries on a mission to scout the Land of Israel – we share a letter where the Rebbe thanks his well-wishers and considers their praise a tribute to the entire Chabad movement.
In these parshios – where the Tribe of Levy is being counted and their responsibilities are enumerated, we gain an appreciation for the Kohanim/priests and their elevated status. In his letter, the Rebbe gives encouragement to a young man, a Kohen, and an interesting insight into the status of the daughters of Aharon Hakohen – the patriarch of the priestly line.
At a time of turbulence and uncertainty in Eretz Yisroel – in battling the enemy, we share a letter of truth and clarity from the Rebbe, who addressed the same issues of decades ago. The issues the Rebbe addressed then included returning the liberated areas of Yehudah and Shomron and dealing with terrorist attacks, among others.
As we prepare to receive the Torah on Shavuos – we share a letter where the Rebbe explains the mystery of how one nation – a people so different and diversified one from the other, could be united as one at the giving of the Torah on Sinai.
In preparation for Shavuos – the receiving of the Torah on Har Sinai – the Rebbe’s letter will help us in our understanding of the declaration we made at Sinai – na’asehv’nishma. Where one may feel that the acceptance of mitzvos on faith may limit one’s independent thinking, the Rebbe uses the logical approach in weighing the pros and cons and the odds involved in this approach.
In this month of Iyar – a month which our Sages teach is conducive to healing and good health – we share a letter on the topic of health, where the Rebbe gives encouraging advice to a sculptor, based on the teachings of the Rambam and the parsha.
In celebrating the joyous day of Lag B’Omer this coming week – when we remember Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues who displayed great strength and self-sacrifice during the oppressive Roman rule of the Land of Israel – we share a letter of the Rebbe. In it, the Rebbe explains the essence of a Jew and cites the famous analogy of our Sages – of a fish in water where it needs to live. Living in one’s vital element is basic to one’s survival.
Now that we are counting the days in anticipation of receiving the Torah on Shavuos – after our liberation from Mitzrayim – we share some words of wisdom from the Rebbe’s letter about sefira, this special counting.
In connection with the dedication of the Mishkan / Chanukas Ha’Mishkan on the “Eighth Day” – we present a letter where the Rebbe explains the special quality of the number eight, as it symbolizes the supra-rational and infinite and as it is manifested in various instances in our Jewish history.
Although as rule, the Rebbe does not answer halachic questions – he does address the question of keeping the second days of yom tov for one living chutz la’aretz and owning an apartment in Eretz Yisroel.
In preparation for Pesach – when we are commanded to offer the korban Pesach – we share a letter of the Rebbe, where he expounds on the deeper significance of the pascal sacrifice and its very practical relevance in our daily life today.
To someone who is wishing the Rebbe happy birthday on the occasion of his birthday – Yud Alef Nissan – the Rebbe shares his thoughts on the idea of a birthday in general and specifically on the American custom when wishing someone happy birthday.
