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.
In preparation for the month of Nissan and our celebration of Pesach, “Season of Our Freedom” – we share a letter of the Rebbe explaining the true meaning of freedom and liberation. Using the analogy from nature and its categories of plants animal and humans – the true meaning of freedom becomes clear.
In his letter, the Rebbe explains the meaning of the time-honored traditional blessing we give a person on the occasion of a birthday, that of “long and happy days and years” – where he expands on the double blessing contained within it and on the true measure of time.
The month of Adar is a month of increased happiness. In his letter, the Rebbe addresses the problem of the correspondent who mentions “the lack of happiness in my life” – where the Rebbe identifies inner peace and harmony as the two basic ingredients of true happiness. and how to achieve true happiness.
The Rebbe’s letter – based on the Frierdiker Rebbe’s talk about the erection and dismantling of the mishkan in the desert – stresses the critical importance of educating our fellow Jews in Torah and mitvos, to the fullest and with every detail.
Having just received the Torah at Har Sinai – we stated with absolute conviction the famous declaration of “Na’asse v’nishma” – “We will do and we will learn. ” This approach, explains the Rebbe in his letter, is essential to gaining deep understanding and appreciation of the Torah and mitzvos.
