Instructions concerning beginning shlichus in North Africa

Table of contents

Search this book:

Explanation of the statement in the series of maamarim entitled Basi LeGani that "the treasure-stores are distributed [specifically] through the officers…, but the inner intent is that [they reach] the ordinary soldiers through whom the victory will actually come"; the need for each person to act as both an officer and an ordinary soldier

No. 573

This letter was printed as an introduction to the kuntres of Beis Nissanwhich contained the last maamar in the series of maamarim, beginning "Basi LeGani."

B"H

The date Beis Nissan comprises two elements:

1. the anniversary of the passing[282] of the Rebbe Rashab (May the memory of a tzaddik be a blessing!), and, as a corollary,[283]

2. the day on which his only son — my revered father-in-law the Rebbe, hk"m — became the Nasi and leader of our generation.

Year by year, the modes of spiritual energy [evoked by these events] are reawakened in their respective seasons.[284] Thus it may be readily understood that in the course of the thirty years that have passed until now — thirty times Beis Nissan, 5680-5709 [1920-1949] — [the Rebbe Rashab] has continually ascended, step beyond step, thirty levels of elevation.[285] This becomes clear in light of the words of our Sages[286] that, even after their passing,[287] tzaddikim "proceed from strength to strength," and likewise, in light of the teaching that[288] "when a tzaddik departs he is to be found in all the worlds more than during his lifetime...; even in this world of action... he is to be found more [than during his lifetime]." For this reason, the influence[289] which he imparts to all those who share a bond with him comes from ever higher sources. And for those influences to be received and intimately integrated into the souls of those recipients, their "vessels" (i.e., their spiritual receptive capabilities) need to be ever more finely attuned.

Especially as this time of year comes around, on the approaching Beis Nissan, every one of those who share a bond with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m, should strengthen his connection with him, with increasing intensity, by means of the paths which he taught us in his letters, talks and teachings. Likewise, every individual should meditate and fix it firmly in his mind and heart, that the shepherd — viz., my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m — has not (G-d forbid) forsaken the flock whose shepherd he has been. Now, too, he continues to stand at his holy tasks, in order to protect his sheep and to endow them with whatever material and spiritual influence they need.

Menachem Schneerson

25 Adar, 5710, Brooklyn, N.Y.

   

Notes:

282. (Back to text) [In the original, Yom HaHilula, a Heb./Aram. term that reflects the positive aspect of the passing of a tzaddik, since every year, on the anniversary of his passing, his soul is granted ever more sublime perceptions of Divinity.]

283. (Back to text) See Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Melachim 1:7: "Kingship is inherited..., and not only kingship but all other positions of authority as well..., [provided that the son 'fills the place' of his forebears in wisdom and in the fear of G-d]." The corresponding passage in the Sifri (on Devarim 17:20) speaks of "all the parnassim (major leaders) of Israel."

284. (Back to text) This is true not only on a spiritual level (b'ruchniyus), but also on the natural and physical level, as is seen from the discussion in Chassidus [Sefer HaMaamarim 5704, p. 13] of the last mishnah in ch. 3 of Gittin, regarding the seasons at which wine set aside for terumah or maaser needs to be checked.

285. (Back to text) See Sefer HaKitzurim VeHaaros LeTanya by the Tzemach Tzedek, p. 76, which relates the mishnah in Avos 6:6, "Kingship is acquired [together] with thirty distinctions," to the verse in Yechezkel 1:1, "And it came to pass in the thirtieth year...." Note also: Zohar III, p. 246b; Avodas HaKodesh, Part IV, ch. 19.

286. (Back to text) [Berachos 64a.]

287. (Back to text) [Tehillim 84:8.]

288. (Back to text) [Zohar III, p. 71b.]

289. (Back to text) [In the original, hashpa'os.]

Instructions concerning beginning shlichus in North Africa

Table of contents

Search this book:

Explanation of the statement in the series of maamarim entitled Basi LeGani that "the treasure-stores are distributed [specifically] through the officers…, but the inner intent is that [they reach] the ordinary soldiers through whom the victory will actually come"; the need for each person to act as both an officer and an ordinary soldier