Igrot Kodesh · Letter 402 — New Year Blessing and Mission of the Kohen
Volume 2 · Letter 237
By the grace of Hashem,
25 Elul 5708,
To our dear and distinguished friend, the Chassid who fears Hashem, great Torah scholar, Rav Elchanan HaCohen[1],
I greet you and bless you,
On the threshold of the New Year that approaches, I wish to express our warmest wishes, on behalf of Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch* and on my own behalf, for you, your dear wife, and the members of your family, that you be inscribed and sealed in the book of life, blessing, peace, and abundance, in the best possible manner, materially and spiritually.
In addition to the texts I send you, you also occasionally take note of my explanations. I therefore wish to seize this opportunity and, as is my custom, do so with words of Torah.
The Rambam* explains why a Kohen*[2] receives no portion of the Holy Land, unlike other Jews. Indeed, 'Hashem is his inheritance.' He dedicates himself to spiritual concerns, bearing a moral responsibility toward the people. It is therefore Hashem Who provides for his needs.
The mission of the Kohen* is defined by the verse 'They will teach Your laws to Yaakov.' It consists in spreading the Torah and Judaism within the people of Israel. This is therefore what I wish you for the New Year. May Hashem grant that you fulfill your mission as a Kohen*, particularly by taking part in the work of my father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, which is comparable to that of the High Priest*.
Furthermore, I wish to express our deep gratitude for your appreciable interest and contribution to Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch*. I am confident that in the future you will continue to stand by our side in realizing the many objectives of this institution, so as to carry out the Will of Hashem.
With my greetings and blessing,
Rav Menachem Schneerson,
Executive Director,
Notes
(1) Also called Alexandre Koven. See letter no. 189.
(2) The addressee of this letter is one.