A continuation of the discussion begun in Letter No. 159 concerning the Jews' self-sacrifice for the mitzvah of tefillin

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The Rebbe's response to a philosophical thesis that the world is in a stage of flux, with each entity seeking to grow and develop until it reaches a more complete state of fulfillment

No. 167

This letter is addressed to Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Chechoval, a distinguished Rabbi who had just arrived from war-torn Europe to a camp for refugees established by the American government in upstate New York.

B"H, 21 Menachem Av, 5704

Greetings and blessings,

You have certainly received the telegram sent by my revered father-in-law, the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita. I am enclosing a copy of the Yiddish original.

As the executive director of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael, in the name of all our members, I would like to bless you doubly with the blessings of Shalom Aleichem and Beruchim Haboim.[105]

According to the instructions of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, we have sent you via the office of the camp a package of holy texts for study and reading, including the monthly publication HaKeriah VehaKedushah to serve as a proper foundation for the library of the synagogue in the camp. [I am certain that] you will recognize and see the great value and usefulness of these texts.

As stated in the telegram sent you by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, in the telegram sent to the head of the camp, and in the telegrams sent by the offices of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael, we would like to send emissaries from these institutions to visit you and the other refugees and to see - on site - how it is possible to extend a helping hand to assist our Jewish brethren who are refugees in the camp in the field of education and in strengthening Judaism in general.

These central organizations[106] which are headed by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, have with G-d's help, already succeeded in bringing about great and creative changes in the U.S. and Canada, founding acceptable institutions for Jewish education, publishing Torah-oriented texts for study and for reading in Lashon HaKodesh,[107] Yiddish, and English. We are certain that in your camp, with G-d's help, we will be able to carry out [such activities] in the best possible manner.

The head of the camp, Mr. Smart, whom we petitioned in a formal manner to permit our visit as early as possible, is surely busy with many other matters. Accordingly, it would be appropriate for you to turn to him in the name of all the refugees and urge him to speed through a license for us to visit the camp. [Then] we will be able to speak to you at length and in detail with regard to all the above matters, as they affect the welfare of our Jewish brethren who are refugees.

We hope to hear from you in the near future. With greetings for you and for all our Jewish brethren in the camp and with feelings of blessing and closeness,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Executive Director,

Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael

   

Notes:

105. (Back to text) [Both of these expressions are traditional Hebrew expressions for welcome.]

106. (Back to text) [I.e., Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael.]

107. (Back to text) [The Holy Tongue, i.e., Biblical and Talmudic Hebrew.]

A continuation of the discussion begun in Letter No. 159 concerning the Jews' self-sacrifice for the mitzvah of tefillin

Table of contents

Search this book:

The Rebbe's response to a philosophical thesis that the world is in a stage of flux, with each entity seeking to grow and develop until it reaches a more complete state of fulfillment