An expression of thanks for motivating others to support Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch

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The mitzvos of Rabbinic origin; Biblical sources for the expression Chochmah, Binah, and Daas; the difference between Binah and Tevunah; the eirev rav

No. 345

This letter was addressed to Rabbi Moshe Hecht, the Rebbe's shaliach in New Haven, Connecticut.

B"H, 12 Adar II, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

I was informed by your brother, R. Yaakov, of the birth of your daughter and that you gave her the name Rachel.[337] I offer thanks for accepting my suggestion and [give] my blessing that you raise her to Torah, marriage, and good deeds amidst prosperity in both material and spiritual matters.

To conclude with words of Torah: A name is significant. Yonas Ileim, sec. 5, states that vayehi or ("Let there be light")[338] is numerically equivalent to Rachel. This concept can be understood according to the statements in the beginning of the maamar entitled VaToseif Esther in Torah Or that K'nesses Yisrael[339] is called Rachel when it is in a state of revelation. Similarly, with regard to every individual Jew, [this name refers to a state in which] he desires to be nullified and to be included in G-d's light, and [this desire] is revealed and burns powerfully.

Among the Jewish people, everything must be expressed through Divine service and should manifest the higher quality of light that comes from darkness. On this basis, we can appreciate our Sages' statement (Bereishis Rabbah 3:5) that "Let there be light" corresponds to the Book of Shmos which relates how the Jewish people left darkness [and emerged] to light. This is not the place for further discussion of this matter.

With blessings of Mazal tov and with wishes for a happy and joyous Purim,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Enclosed is a receipt for $18 for the sake of Rachel, the daughter of Rivkah Hecht, for your donation to tzedakah on her behalf.

Enclosed is the kuntreis for Purim that was just published. Share it with others, [increasing] the merit of people at large.

   

Notes:

337. (Back to text) [The name of the Rebbe's maternal grandmother.]

338. (Back to text) [Bereishis 1:3.]

339. (Back to text) [The spiritual source of the Jewish people.]

An expression of thanks for motivating others to support Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch

Table of contents

Search this book:

The mitzvos of Rabbinic origin; Biblical sources for the expression Chochmah, Binah, and Daas; the difference between Binah and Tevunah; the eirev rav