The Divine service appropriate for the month of Adar

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No. 139

This letter is addressed to R. Yaakov Katz, a supporter of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch.

B"H, Sunday, 10 Adar, 5704, Brooklyn

Greetings and blessings,

In response to the two letters that you sent (which arrived simultaneously):

Enclosed is a receipt for your check to Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch.

The words of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, and his directive to send you a copy of the Pocket Encyclopedia need no further reinforcement.

Nevertheless, it is possible to find an allusion in this week's Torah reading which begins with the mitzvah of a priest lighting the lamps [of the Menorah].

We see that whenever a lamp is lit, the person kindling it acts [directly] only when [bringing forth] the first ray of light. Afterwards, the lamp continues burning on its own, as a matter of course.

A parallel exists with regard to every member of the Jewish people, even if, for whatever reason, he has become separated from [the observance of] the Torah and its mitzvos. By and large, it is enough merely to arouse him, and then the "lamp of G-d, the soul of man"[1] which is within him will continue to shine on its own, as a matter of course.

Fortunate is the person who illuminates the world by lighting the lamps, i.e., the Jewish people, which illuminate the world. The merit of the many is dependent upon him.

With the blessing, "Immediately to teshuvah, immediately to Redemption,"

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [Mishlei 20:27.]

The Divine service appropriate for the month of Adar

Table of contents

Search this book:

Details regarding Kehot publications; a request to help a particular youth return to Jewish practice