Weekly Letter: The Mitzvah of Chinuch
In praise of Sarah Imeinu- a true role model for all Jewish women – we learn of the woman’s special mitzvos which bring blessings to her home. The Rebbe in his letter to a pre-bas mitzvah girl who is lighting a candle for Shabbos, shares some encouraging thoughts on the mitzvah of chinuch and the observance of mitzvos – and especiallythe mitzvah of NESHEK – Ner Shabbos Kodesh. With its practical and deeper significance.
By the Grace of G-d
24th of Kislev, 5735
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ms.
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to receive the good news that you began lighting a candle for Shabbos. No doubt you will do the same also for Yom Tov.
Although, as you mention, you have not yet reached the age of Bat Mitzvah, you surely know that the mitzvah of chinuch – training in the practice of mitzvos – begins quite early in Jewish life. This is what the Wisest of All Men, King Solomon, meant when he said, “Train (chanoch) the youngster in his right way, so that he will not depart from it also when he grows old.” (Prov. 22:6). Needless to say, though the verse speaks of a boy (na’ar), girls are included, as in many similar verses in the Torah.
A mitzvah should, of course, be fulfilled for its own sake, because G-d commanded it, and without thought for reward. Nevertheless, each mitzvah contains many lessons and carries with it G-d’s blessings in many ways. This is especially true in the case of the mitzvah of ner Shabbos Kodesh, as explained by our Sages (in the Gemoro Shabbos 23b and elsewhere), that it is connected with the verse, Ner Mitzvah, v’Torah – Or, meaning that lighting the Shabbos– candle brings the light of Torah – the whole Torah – into the home.
A further point about Ner Shabbos has to do with the “practical” reason of lighting up the house so that no one would stumble in darkness and get hurt, G-d forbid. But in a deeper sense, the Shabbos candles light up the house and every member of the family with the light of Torah, to walk safely through the path of life which is full of dangerous pitfalls.
In addition, lighting a candle in honor of Shabbos and Yom Tov betokens the lighting up of one’s Mazal, to be blessed by G-d also in all material needs.
May G-d grant that all the great spiritual and material blessings that go with Ner Shabbos should be fulfilled in you and shared by all in your home.
With blessing,
