Weekly Moment With the Rebbe
Torah observance is a 24/7 life, our guidepost and motivation. But how much do we attribute success to Divine intervention—and blessings—versus personal labor and ability? The Avner Institute presents three warm letters reflecting the Rebbe’s tireless interest and direction in human matters: a communal activist building a mikvah, a worried woman facing medical issues, and a young man seeking a wife.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveTorah observance is a 24/7 life, our guidepost and motivation. But how much do we attribute success to Divine intervention—and blessings—versus personal labor and ability? The Avner Institute presents three warm letters reflecting the Rebbe’s tireless interest and direction in human matters: a communal activist building a mikvah, a worried woman facing medical issues, and a young man seeking a wife.
In loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“To touch upon your work”
By the Grace of G-d
21 Adar I 5722
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. Elimelech Mordechai Schreiber
55 Wilbur Avenue
Newark 12, NJ
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you very much for your letter of February the 13th with the enclosure, which was turned over to its destination, namely the Committee of Rabbis working for the East Flatbush Mikvah. No doubt you will receive an acknowledgment direct from them.
May G-d grant that for many years to come, and with peace of mind and through joy, you will continue your good work to strengthen Yiddishkeit in general and Taharas Hamishpacha [Laws of Family Purity] especially, in a growing measure.
I think you will be glad to know that I have a prospect to receive an additional donation from another source for the same cause, and that it is in some way related to your effort, so that the merit of it will also stand you in good stead.
With prayerful wishes,
and with blessing,
[signature]
P.S. Recently I had occasion to meet with Rabbi Zeev Segal of Newark. Having your correspondence in mind, I led the conversation to touch upon your work, and I was gratified that the conversation brought forth an expression of appreciation on the part of Rabbi Segal and his admiration for your work. At the same time, he told me:
a) At the last convention of the Histadrus Norabbonim, the question of mikvehs in Israel was taken up, according to your suggestion;
b) He is ready to discuss the matter with you (on behalf of the Histadrus Horabbonim), as to what can be done in this matter. May G-d grant that there will be some good, practical results.
“To a life worth living”
By the Grace of G-d
21 Adar 5731
Brooklyn, NY
Miss—–
Elizabeth, NJ
Blessing and Greeting:
I am in receipt of your letter of March 15th, in which you write about your background, as well as medical treatment. May G-d grant that you should have good news to report in all the matters about which you write, particularly about the effectiveness of the treatment.
I trust that it is unnecessary to emphasize to you at length the need to strength adherence to the Will of G-d in the daily life, as He revealed it in His Torah, called Toras Chaim (the Law of Life), because it is the true guide in life to a life worth living. And while this is essential for its own sake, it is also the channel to receive G-d’s blessings in all one’s needs materially and spiritually.
Jewish daughters and women have a particularly important role in Jewish life, as is emphasized also by the festival of Purim, which we have just celebrated, as well as by the next festival, Pesach, which we will soon celebrate. For, insofar as Purim is concerned, it is well known that a Jewish woman—Esther—was instrumental in bringing about the miracle of Purim, as is also emphasized by the fact that the book in the Holy Scriptures recording the events of Purim is named not after Mordechai, nor after Mordechai and Esther jointly, but solely after Esther—Megillas Esther. As for Pesach, our Sages of blessed memory state that it was in the merit of the righteous Jewish women in those days that the deliverance from Egyptian bondage was brought about, which is very instructive and meaningful.
No doubt you are cooperating fully in the matter of the treatment. While it is necessary to follow the instructions of the doctor, it is at the same time essential to have complete faith in the “Healer of all Flesh Who works wondrously,” Who is the Source of all healing and cure.
With prayerful wishes for good health, and hoping to hear good news from you,
With blessing,
[signature]
“In the natural order of things”
By the Grace of G-d
23 Elul 5743
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. ——
Wisconsin
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of the 17th of Elul and will remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good.
Specifically with regard to a shidduch [marriage partner], you surely know the instruction of the Torah, Toras Chaim, that a person should never be discouraged. However, it is expected of one to do what is necessary in the natural order of things in all matters, especially in such an important matter as finding a wife and setting up a Jewish home on the foundations of the Torah and mitzvoth.
No doubt you know that nowadays most shidduchim are concluded with the help of intermediaries, especially a reliable shadchan [matchmaker] and personal friends.
At the same time, it is necessary to widen the channels through which a Jew receives G-d’s blessings in all needs, these channels being the everyday life and conduct in accordance with the Torah and mitzvoth. Therefore, every additional effort in matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and mitzvoth, though a must for their own sake, widens these channels.
It would be advisable in your case, especially now that we are in the month of Elul and about to enter the New Year, to have the tefillin and mezuzoth of your home checked to make sure they are kosher.
Wishing you a kesiva ve’chasima tova, for a good and sweet year, materially and spiritually.
With blessing,
[signature]
To receive to your inbox: Rebbebook@gmail.com
Never Miss a Headline!
Sign up for the COLlive Daily News Roundup and never miss a story
Opt In
- I would like to receive the collive newsletter