Weekly Letter: True “Converts”

In his letter to one wishing to make a halachically recognized conversion, the Rebbe briefly explains what a Jew is and underlines the fact that Shavuos is when the entire Jewish people became true “converts”.

By the Grace of G-d

28 Sivan, 5746

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mr.

Chicago, Ill. 60645

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter has just reached me. I hasten to reply to it ahead of its turn, because of the importance and urgency of the subject matter.

Since you write that you are resolved to make a halachically recognized conversion, there is no need for me to explain to you at length that there is only one kind of geyrus (conversion) to become a Jew – a conversion carried out in accordance with Jewish law, the halacha. For, to become a Jew is not something external, but something that changes the very essence of the person and imbues the convert with a new soul – a Jewish soul that is a part of G-dliness Above.  This is something which only the Creator of all souls can do and it is achieved when the conversion is carried out according to the Creator’s instructions as embodied in the halacha, by Rabbis who not only know the halacha but live according to the halacha in their everyday life and conduct, namely, competent orthodox Rabbis.

Accordingly, you have to get in touch with such an orthodox Rabbi in your city and he will tell you what you have to do to fulfill your heart’s desire for good, to become truly and honestly a member of the Jewish people.

It is noteworthy that that this month of Sivan, the month of Mattan Torah, is particularly auspicious for the above. Your letter was dated Erev Shavuos, the Festival of Mattan Torah, when the entire Jewish people became true “coverts”, designated and transformed by accepting the Torah into a “Kingdom of kohanim (Hashem’s servants) and a holy nation.” 

May Hashem  grant that you should have good news to report also about your physical health. No doubt you know that with a Jew it is not only the soul that is holy, but also the body receives a special sanctity, in the words of the Torah, “Their soul is holy and their body is holy” – (Hebrew insert: nishmoso dilhonkaddisha v’gufo dihon kaddisha) and with both of them together a Jew serves Hashem, with joy and gladness of heart. 

                                                                                  With blessing,