Weekly Letter: DO We Need to Reform Judaism in Order to Ensure Jewish Survival?

In connection with this week’s parsha – of the first “reformers” of Judaism – those who served the golden calf and of the current events in Eretz Yisrael where reformers have instituted a law to accept conservative and reform conversions – we present a letter in which the Rebbe addresses the question of the need to reform Judaism in order to ensure Jewish survival, the betterment of mankind and the keeping up with the times.

Mazal Tov's View More

Weekly Letter: An Authentic View of Jewish History

With the beginning of the second chumash, Sh’mos, begins the history of the Jewish People. In this letter, the Rebbe advises an author on his project to write a book on Jewish history. So that this book reflects an authentic view of Jewish history, says the Rebbe, it should emphasize the Divine Providence throughout our history as well as its uniqueness. In addition, the Rebbe cautions not to draw from “broken vessels” and to avoid the predictions of the prophets of doom.

Weekly Letter: Preparing a Jewish Will

As we read this week about the final, good years of Yaakov’s life in Mitzrayim and the blessings he gives his children before his passing – we share a letter of the Rebbe in which he gives suggestions in regard to preparing a Jewish will. With some basic and interesting points to make it a truly Jewish document.

Weekly Letter: To Redeem Books and Manuscripts of the Schneerson Library

In connection with the forthcoming “yom tov of the s’forim”/Hey Teves, we share a fascinating letter in which the Rebbe thanks a devoted friend who volunteered his services, with success, and exerted great efforts to redeem some of the books and manuscripts of the Schneerson Library. Many of them were pillaged during World War Two and some, like the ones discussed in this letter, found their way to the Holy Land after the war. In the letter the Rebbe uses Chassidic concepts to explain the truly great significance of his noble mission to “redeem the captive” books and manuscripts.

Weekly Letter: Essential Qualities

The topic of a shidduch plays a central role in our parsha this week, where Eliezer, servant of Avraham, goes on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak, son of Avraham. The first Jewish match is made. We present a letter of the Rebbe in which he gives important advice to a young lady regarding a shidduch.

Weekly Letter: How We Are to View World Events

In the week of the reading of the destruction of S’dom and Amora – and in the present time when we are experiencing a global pandemic – we share a letter in which the Rebbe addresses the question of reconciling the attributes of G-d’s mercifulness and kindness with cosmic catastrophes. The Rebbe guides us on how we are to view world events.