Letter and Spirit

In this weeks letter the Rebbe explains why we get challenges, from the simple answer, to the deeper explanation.

These parshios are about Avraham Avinu, the father of the Jewish people and a very unique individual, of whom it is said “Echad haya Avraham,” Avraham was one. He was indeed just one person, yet was able to change the world.  The Rebbe’s letter this week discusses exactly this point: the uniqueness of man and and the great power which just one person has to affect and change the world.

In connection with Parshas Noach – we share a letter which the Rebbe writes to a non-Jew who is asking “how does Gentile make peace with G-d?” In it the Rebbe explains how one can live a life of fulfillment through the adherence to the Seven Laws given by G-d to the children of Noach. 

The first parsha in the Torah – Bereishis – describes the creation of the world and everything within and without it and lays the foundation for the purpose of creation: MAN. In this week’s letter the Rebbe clearly and simply explains what this purpose is, what it is that man was created to do, thereby fulfilling the purpose and destiny of the entire creation.

During the joyous days of Succos we share a letter of the Rebbe in which he addresses the question of how to attain a higher lever of joy.

In the letter we share in preparation for Succos, the Rebbe explains why it is the custom in Chabad not to decorate the Succah nor sleep in it.

During the Ten Days of Repentance – we approach the day of Yom Kippur with awe and trepidation. As we experience feelings of remorse – it would be good to keep in mind the words of the Rebbe in this letter – where he explains the difference between feelings of merrirus (bitterness) and atzvus (depressions) – as the Tanya teaches. And points out that teshuvah is followed by a feeling of relief and joy – expressed in the “Season of our Rejoicing.”

In preparation for Rosh Hashana – we present a letter where the Rebbe points to the interesting fact that man, unlike other species, was created single and underlines the significance of this fact: Man, one single person, has the capacity and power to “transform” the world. Each Jew has the fullest capacity and duty to reach the highest degree of fulfillment and do the same for the world of Creation.

During the days leading to Rosh Hashana our focus is on teshuvah. This letter from the Rebbe’s underlines the power of teshuva – even in the face of depression and despondency and in the case of relapse to sin, and adds some practical advice.

During the month of Elul and the days from Rosh Hahsanah through Yom Kippur we place particular emphasis on the saying of tehillim. The letter we share this week gives some fascinating facts about the origins of Tehillim from a historical perspective and about its emphasis by kabbala and chassidus.

In this week’s letter, the Rebbe gives basic guidelines and encouragement to one wanting to lead a life of Torah and mitzvos and points out that teshuvah is not as difficult as one may anticipate.

The author of a book about “Ten Vital Jewish Issues” invites the Rebbe’s input and in this letter in answer, the Rebbe shares, interestingly, what he considers the most vital Jewish issue.

The Rebbe’s letter this week is in answer to an interesting question which a young lady asks: “is it a sin not to like everything in the world; must we love everything Hashem created?” The Rebbe’s fascinating answer includes a clear definition of what “good” is.

On Shabbos nachamu we find comfort in the words of the prophets which we read this Shabbos during the Haftorah. In his letter, the Rebbe gives comforting words to the family mourning the loss of their father, in which he explains the traditional words of comfort we give to mourners : “the A-mighty comfort you in the midst of all mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” 

During the period of the three weeks, we emphasize the need for unity, peaceful relationships and overall ahavas Yisroel – unconditionally, as this will bring the geula.  Just as it was baseless hatred and disunity that caused the destruction and galus – it will be our unconditional love for each other that will bring Moshiach, may it be now!
As Crown Heights has recently seen an unprecedented act of Unity, we present this week’s letter in which the Rebbe discusses the importance of harmonious and peaceful relationships.

This Parsha teaches of the partitioning of Eretz Yisrael among the Twelve Tribes upon entering the land. In this connection we bring a letter of the Rebbe in which he discusses the issue of present day Eretz Yisrael – where discussion has been taking place regarding the “giving back of the territories for the sake of peace.” There are those whose wrongful approach claims that the Land is ours because of the Balfour Declaration and the goodwill of the United Nations – and it is these people who are ready to give away parts of it for the sake of a nonexistent peace. Yet the ones who base their claim to the land upon the G-d given Torah, where G-d has given it to us as an inheritance, promised to our ancestors, the patriarchs – these people stand loyal to our inheritance.

As we enter the period of the three weeks, with the 17th of Tammuz, we present a letter in which the Rebbe discusses the question of “why the holocaust ” in context of the many tragedies in Jewish history.

As today is the 5oth anniversary of the first man landing on the moon we present a letter of the Rebbe in connection with space travel and exploration. 

In keeping with the concept of chukas – the mitzvos which have no discernible reason, and the acceptance of all mitzvos on the same basis – we present a letter in which the Rebbe answers to one questioning the acceptance of mitzvos on faith – doing things which the rational mind finds difficult and which limit one’s independent thinking.

In preparation for Gimmel Tammuz, this weeks letter from the Rebbe is on the topic of hiskashrus, and learning the Torah of the person you are looking to connect with. 

In this weeks letter, the Rebbe tackles an issue brouhgt up on the topic of shluchim and shlichus. The Rebbe’s answer to the argument that Lubavitch activities constitutes hasogas g’vul (encroachment).