The inclusion of halachic rulings in the Alter Rebbe's Siddur; when the search for chametz should be conducted; the significance of the bows in the Shemoneh Esreh

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Eating matzah on Pesach Sheni

No. 366

This letter was addressed to R. Shmaya Krinsky, a ritual slaughterer from Boston.

B"H, 24 Iyar, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

With this letter, I would like to present the bearer of this letter, the distinguished chassid R. M. HaKohen, with whom I am acquainted for many years. I am extending a doubled request that to the full extent of your capacity, you assist him in obtaining the certificates that he requires according to the agreement with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, as he will verbally explain to you. It is self-understand that you have no responsibility for wages [for him].

In this week's Torah reading in Likkutei Torah, in the maamar entitled BeShivri Lachem, it is explained that the [Torah's] words of rebuke[381] are in truth only blessings. It is written:[382] "One man will stumble over his brother." Our Sages (Sh'vuos 39a) interpret this as meaning that [a person will stumble] "because of the sin committed by his colleague. For all of Israel share mutual responsibility." It is possible to explain the blessing implied: that everyone can aid his colleague because they share mutual responsibility and are interrelated. [Such assistance is offered] willingly, because all of Israel are sweet and pleasant to one another, as reflected in the three interpretations of our Sages' statement that all of Israel share mutual responsibility as cited in Chassidus.[383] In particular, the reward for granting such assistance is great. As our Sages comment in Vayikra Rabbah, in last week's parshah:[384] "More than the donor does for the poor man, [the poor man does for the donor]," bringing him assistance in that very matter.

With hopes to hear good news from you with regard to the above and with greetings to all those dependent on you,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

381. (Back to text) [I.e., the sequence of what appears as curses in Parshas Bechukosai.]

382. (Back to text) [Vayikra 26:37.]

383. (Back to text) [The Hebrew term erev has three different meanings: "share mutual responsibility," "interrelated," and "sweet."]

384. (Back to text) [Vayikra Rabbah 34:9.]

The inclusion of halachic rulings in the Alter Rebbe's Siddur; when the search for chametz should be conducted; the significance of the bows in the Shemoneh Esreh

Table of contents

Search this book:

Eating matzah on Pesach Sheni