ow that we have started to count sefirah – the days between Pesach and Shavuos – we are sharing a brief yet very significant letter of the Rebbe about TIME. While it makes sense to say that we have no control nor influence over time – the Rebbe explains how we do have the power to control time… it is certainly possible for us to “stretch time” and turn it into infinity!
As we approach the seders that take up the first two nights of Pesach, we present a letter from the Rebbe on the fifth son, a now famous concept that is taught across the Jewish world.
As we prepare for the Yom Tov of Pesach – time of our redemption, we find inspiration and a lesson from the Rebbe’s letter with its encouraging massage – of the transition of the Jewish people from the depths of the Egyptian bondage to the Divine Revelation at Mount Sinai – in such a short period of time.
With the beginning of Nissan – as we prepare for Pesach, we share a letter of the Rebbe in which he explains the deeper aspects of true freedom and redemption from Egypt and the pascal sacrifice of Pesach .
In his letter to one suggesting religious reform so as to “come to grips with the realities of today” an insure Jewish survival – the Rebbe gives a clear analysis of the fallacy of such a thought.
In the Rebbe’s letter for this week, of the construction of the mishkan as we begin our journey through the desert, the Rebbe underlines the unique role of the women in the construction.
As we begin to learn the laws given to us on Sinai – we introduce a letter of the Rebbe where he uses the scientific method to prove the validity of the Jewish religion and gives a comprehensive explanation of the diversity of religions in the world and the need for 613 mitzvos for Jews and 7 (Noahide) Laws for non-Jews.
In the week of the giving of the Torah on Sinai -we share a letter in which the Rebbe addresses the question of how the validity of the Revelation at Sinai could be proven,
and how our religion is different from other religions.
As we are now leaving Mitzrayim – being liberated from Egyptian slavery, we keep in mind the timeless message in the Rebbe’s letter: LIBERATION is not confined to the specific Exodus at the time of Egyptian slavery, but is rather, an ongoing effort of every Jew to free himself both from his internal limitations (inborn and acquired) and the external influences of the environment which enslave and limit him.
In his discussion with Hashem about his mission to go to Paro – Moshe wrestles with the question of why the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. In our letter this week – the Rebbe addresses this question and the fact that the holocaust in our time has shaken the belief in G-d of some Jews.
In connection with the weeks now where we learn of the bitter slavery and suffering of the Yidden in Egypt – we share a letter of the Rebbe to one who is troubled by the fate of European Jewy in recent history, during the holocaust.
As we celebrate this week – Chof Daled Teves, yartzeit of the Alter Rebbe, first Chabad Rebbe, R’ Schneur Zalman – we share a letter of the Rebbe explaining one of the basic principles of the Chabad philosophy and way of life – that the head and the heart should govern and inspire the daily life of an individual in complete harmony.
In the week when we learn of the blessings that Yaakov gives his children before his passing, we share a letter of the Rebbe in which he explains the general and deeper meaning of the traditional blessing that we give to a person on his birthday.
In connection with the theme of our parsha, where Yaakov and his family are now relocating — going down to Mitzrayim to be reunited with Yosef and to settle there – we share a letter where the Rebbe advises a person asking about relocating his family to a place of a job offer.
The Rebbe’s letter underlines timely Chanukah lessons for our daily performance of mitzvos – namely, performing all mitzvos in a most perfect manner – mehadrin min hamehadrin – not being satisfied with our perfect performance of today.
In celebrating Chanukah – we celebrate the miracle of the pure undefiled olive oil which was miraculously found and used for the kindling of the menorah. Why is this so important?
In honor of YUD TES KISLEV, Rosh Hashanah l’Chasidus, we share a comprehensive letter in which the Rebbe explains the halachic reason for learning Chasidus.
