Letter and Spirit

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).

In keeping with these parshi’os, which deal with the tribe of Levy – the kohanim and levi’im – their count and their service in the mishkan, we present a letter of the Rebbe on the subject of “an hereditary aristocracy in the persons of Kohanim and Leviim”. Although Judaism recognizes a distinction of hereditary classes – at the same time – the essential spirit of Judaism rests on the view that “the entire congregation are all holy.” The Rebbe explains and reconciles the seeming inconsistency of these two ideas.

This week we present a multi-layered letter dealing with a number of topics – including: protestation against G-d as proof of belief in Him, why prayer and the case of “Acher” . But it is the topic of the resurgence of Nazism that is of particular interest – as the topic of renewed antisemitism today is again making headlines.

In preparation for Shavuos, the Festival of the Giving of the Torah we share a scholarly letter in which the Rebbe comments on an article that discusses The Philosophy of Judaism.  In the letter the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of first ascertaining the premise upon which a discussion is based, so that the discussion can use the methods applicable to that premise: What is the premise? 1. accept Divine Revelation on Mt. Sinai or 2. not accept Divine Revelation as a fact, thus implying that our religion is based on man’s intelligence.

In light of the recent renewed interest in the Rebbe’s campaign for “a moment of silence” in the Public Schools – we share a letter about the subject. The Rebbe had often spoken and written about this vital topic, within the general framework of education – so as to inculcate children with a sense of respect for a Higher Authority thereby cultivating good traits and behavior- and ultimately avoiding delinquency and lawlessness.

In the spirit of the month of Iyar, traditionally known as the “Month of Healing”, we present a letter of the Rebbe in which he gives encouraging advice to a sculptor about caring for one’s health – in light of the parsha and the teachings of the RAMBAM. Also a letter in which the Rebbe explains the meaning of the Torah giving a doctor the competence to heal (rappo ye’rappeh).

In this special edition of letters from the Rebbe, we present a series of letters between the Rebbe, and Author Herman Wouk who just passed away. May these letters we are publicizing, be a merit for his soul and bring comfort to his family during the week of shiva. The letters reflect Herman Wouk’s generous and compassionate character and good deeds – especially in the area of chinuch and education.

This week, we present a letter from the Rebbe in regards to the weeks of s’fira, when we remember Rabbi Akiva and his students and his famous teaching of a Jew being intrinsically connected to Torah, as a fish is to water. In the letter, the Rebbe discusses this very essence of a Jew.

This week, we present a letter from the rebbe, in which the Rebbe expands on the mitzvah of the counting of the Omer. The letter, written originally in English, is from the archives of the Rebbe’s trusted secretary Rabbi Nissan Mindel.

In this weeks letter, the Rebbe gives words of comfort to the bereaved, and it’s association during the days between Pesach and Shavuos, a time of  tragic events in Jewish history, associated with the martyrdom of our people.

In honor of the last days of Pesach we present this weeks letter in which the Rebbe discusses the questions of the custom of eating or not eating kitniyos/legumes on Pesach – which custom one should follow and why.

In this weeks letter in honor of Pesach, the Rebbe letter explains the message of Pesach in our daily life: the tremendous accomplishment a Jew is able to achieve if he only wills it: going from the lowest depths to the loftiest spiritual heights.

In connection with the topic of tzora’as in this week’s parsha, one of the causes of which Chazal attribute to the speaking of loshon hora/slander, we present a letter of the Rebbe where he refers to loshoh hora in the context of a negative experience the correspondent refers to in his letter to the Rebbe.

With the Rebbetzen’ s and the Rebbe’s birthdays being celebrated during these couple of weeks – we share a letter where the Rebbe explains our customs for a birthday. The letter, written originally in English, is from the archives of the Rebbe’s trusted secretary Rabbi Nissan Mindel.

With the renewed interest in space travel and the successful launching recently by Israel of the lunar space craft, we share a letter of the Rebbe regarding space travel. The letter, written originally in English, is from the archives of the Rebbe’s trusted secretary Rabbi Nissan Mindel.

In light of the recent scandal involving college admission and the parents of students – we share a letter of the Rebbe on the topic of college education and the role and attitude of parents in the matter.

In the month of Adar Beis – we share a very instructive letter of the Rebbe to a woman who is partnering with her husband in their chinuch activities. In it, the Rebbe gives guidelines and advice about effective education […]

In keeping with the instructions to build a mishkan and cautioning to keep the Shabbos holy: not to desecrate Shbbos, even for the construction of the mishkan, we present a letter from the Rebbe about the very important mitzvah of Shabbos observance.