With the beginning the three week period – we present a letter of the Rebbe to an artist in a mood of despair. The Rebbe points to the talent of an artist to see beyond the surface of the object and express its inner essence. So too in our service of Hashem – where we aim to see more than the surface. The Rebbe discusses the purpose of trials, tragedies and difficulties – especially in light of chassidus.
In celebrating Yud Bais Tammuz – birthday and chag ha’ge’ula of the Frierdiker Rebbe – we present a letter where the Rebbe encourages participants in a public event to “make a Holy Land” in all places. This follows the Frierdiker Rebbe’s example of dedication and mesiras nefesh for Torah, at all times and in all places, in spite the scars he suffered from the War and Holocaust. These horrific events created a void, which is for us to fill.
In connection with the topic of strife as we see in this week’s parsha – of Korach and his group – we share a letter from the Rebbe in which he comments and advises on maintaining peace and harmony in the face of differing opinions. Where a group of people do not see eye to eye with each other, yet share a common goal, in order to insure success it is critical for them to settle differences in a peaceful way. For – “Peace is the vessel containing G-d’s blessing.”
On the topic of shlichus which begins this parsha – we share a letter where the Rebbe addresses the question of those who ask why one should sacrifice one’s own Torah learning and advancement in yiddishkeit in order to help bring another Jew closer to Torah and mitzvos.
We present another letter on the topic of women – as the Rebbe would traditionally speak to a gathering of women and girls during these weeks preceding the summer. In this letter the Rebbe addresses the question of the woman’s role from the viewpoint of “orthodox” Judaism (as he denounces the use of “labels”) and whether there is validity in the notion that she has been placed in an inferior position. The Rebbe brings a clear and concise analogy to explain the functions of man and woman.
It was customary for the Rebbe to speak to a gathering of women and girls this time of year in 770 – on the occasion of the Neshei Chabad Women’s convention as well as for the end of year graduation and preparation for the summer. We share with you during these weeks letters to and about women. In this week’s letter the Rebbe addresses the question of the women’s role in disseminating Yiddishkeit and of women learning – as well as of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s efforts in promoting this.
In preparation for Shavuos – we share a letter in which the Rebbe emphasizes that the Jewish way of life is “na’asse v’nishma”. We do and then we learn. Even in the realm of science, discipline and methods need to be first accepted. Questioning the truth is fine – yet not understanding truth does not make it not true.
In honor of Shavuos – Festival of the Giving of the Torah – we present a press release given to the JTA, with a message from the Rebbe for all Yidden in preparation for this holy and significant day.
The month of Iyar is the month of healing – Ani HaShem Rofecho. May it be so for all Yidden. In keeping with the theme of good health, we share a brief and uplifting letter of the Rebbe, to a woman who feels despondent about the grim prognosis of the doctor about her medical situation.
In preparation for Lag B’Omer we share a letter where the Rebbe explains what the essence of a Jew is – and gives the analogy of a fish in water, to explain the impossibility of changing one’s essence. Just as R’ Akiva had explained to his students.
In a letter about the Holy Land – the Rebbe makes reference to Yom Ha’atzma’ut when he compares those who celebrate it with those who do not celebrate it, but nevertheless support its existence and survival as a holy land and a land of the Jews, in the truest sense.
During the days of s’fira and especially under the painful and unusual circumstances we are now in – mourning so many of our dear family and friends – we share a letter of condolence of the Rebbe. May these words of comfort help us focus on the good and give us strength during these trying times.
In this letter, the Rebbe discusses why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, and goes on to explain that when we strengthen our bitachon in Hashem, we gain an understanding of Hashem’s ways and it speeds up Hashem’s blessings in revealed good. The Rebbe ends with his Pesach blessings.
In connection with the challenging times we are experiencing now, we share a letter of the Rebbe in answer to someone questioning the tragedy of the Holocaust. The Rebbe refers to other great tragedies in our history : our enslavement in Egypt, the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash by Nevuchadnetzar and the crusades. And emphasizes with an encouraging message – that despite the terrible nature of the catastrophes – the Jews did not weaken their faith in G-d nor their commitment to Torah and Mitzvos.
With the start of Chumash Vayikra – Toras Kohanim — we share a letter of the Rebbe in which he addresses the seeming contradiction between the “democratic orientation of Judaism ” with the idea of hereditary classes, yichus, such as Kohanim.
During these weeks of unusual challenges, we share a letter of the Rebbe which deals with the age-old question of the role of challenges and difficulties. And some chasidik insights into golus and the challenge of our time.
The last few parshios teach about the construction of the mishkan – and in the present parsha we are reminded about the observance of Shabbos and told that however important the construction of the mishkan is – we may not desecrate the Shabbos to build it. We present a letter of the Rebbe about the importance of Shabbos observance – even when it is very difficult to do so when it conflicts with one’s very successful career.
