Weekly Letter: Prayer As It Relates To Women

In preparation for Pesach – celebrating our redemption from Mitzrayim which we merited in the zechus of the righteous women of that generation – we share a letter where the Rebbe addresses prayer as it relates to the women. This letter is from volume 5 of The Letter and The Spirit.

By the Grace of G-d
10th of Iyar, 5725
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mrs.

Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to receive your letter.

Needless to say, every additional effort in matters of Torah and mitzvos and in the dissemination of Yiddishkeit in general, will bring additional Divine blessings.

With regard to the question of daily praying insofar as women are concerned, you surely know that there are various customs. However, this is only as far as the women themselves are concerned. But if, as you write, this also has a bearing on the chinuch of the children, it is an added reason to adopt the custom which would be most valuable for the children, even though the religious community where you lived previously did not demand it.

Besides, there is nothing more conducive to attune the mind and heart towards the consciousness of G-d’s Presence than regular prayer, where the first condition is, “Know before Whom you are standing.” Fostering this consciousness is very helpful for the attainment of peace of mind and general contentment. For through prayer and direct personal contact with the A-mighty, one is reminded every day that G-d is not far away, in the Seventh Heaven, but is present and here and His benevolent Providence extends to each and every one individually. This point had also been greatly emphasized by the Alter Rebbe in his book of Tanya, where he urges everyone to remember that, “Behold, G-d is standing near him.” With this in mind, there is no room left for any anxiety or worry and King David, the Sweet Singer of Israel, said, “G-d is my shepherd, I shall not want”, “G-d is with me I shall not fear,” etc. Thus, this is no longer a theoretical idea, but becomes a personal experience in the everyday life.

As requested, I will remember in prayer those mentioned in your letter.

With blessing,