Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5747 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

17 (note: the Rebbe notes "Tov" [good], whose numerical value [gematria*] is seventeen) Elul 5717

Brooklyn, New York

To the attention of community leaders, who cherish the Torah*, who are generous toward the people of Hashem, may He grant them long life,

Great greetings and blessings,

This year, on 18 Elul*, we will celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of Yeshivas* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch, founded by the Rebbe Rashab*, father of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, whose merit protects us. The Yeshivah* was established on the luminous date of 18 Elul, the birthday of the two great luminaries, the Baal Shem Tov* and the Alter Rebbe*, author of the Tanya* and the Shulchan Aruch*. Thus is defined the distinctive character of the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim*, which disseminate a Torah* of wholeness — the revealed dimension and the inner teachings — permeated with fear and love of Hashem, with self-sacrifice and love of one's fellow, with a deep sense of responsibility for the community and for the individual.

Passing from one exile to another, the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim* established themselves in various locations in Russia, in Eretz Yisrael* — may it be restored and rebuilt — in Poland, in Latvia. Then, Divine Providence implanted its center in America seventeen years ago. Nevertheless, it is said that "there is his home." In every location, the four cubits of Torah* and prayer characteristic of Tomchei Temimim* were established. Above all, the Yeshivah* preserved its distinctive character, pursued its objective, and fulfilled its mission with self-sacrifice. The deep roots it planted in the ground bore fruit and fruit of fruit, maintained Yiddishkeit* in every place where they were found — in Soviet Russia as in other parts of the world. The students of the Yeshivos* Lubavitch, the Temimim* (note: literally "the wholesome ones"), currently constitute the vital forces enabling the strengthening of Torah* and the practice of mitzvos* in general, and the provision of proper education in particular — in America, in Eretz Yisrael*, in Canada, in Europe, in Morocco, in Australia.

However, the continuity and further development of the Yeshivos* Lubavitch and their fundamental accomplishments are greatly hindered by debts and a deficit. Consequently, the administration of Yeshivas* Tomchei Temimim* issues a call for help to our brothers, the children of Israel, to obtain their support. Without a doubt, the generous and large American Jewish community will respond favorably, especially during these days of mercy (note: the days of the month of Elul*). It will enable not only covering the previous deficit, but also building a financial foundation for further development.

It is a great merit to take part and to associate oneself with the maintenance and growth of Yeshivas* Tomchei Temimim*. This merit enables one to receive the blessings of Hashem in all one's needs, material and spiritual. I send you my blessing to be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year.

M. Schneerson,