Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6608 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem*,

19 Kislev* 5719,

Brooklyn, New York,

To our brothers, the children of Israel, who cherish and honor the Torah* and the Mitzvos*, may Hashem* grant you long life,

Greetings and blessings,

On this luminous day of 19 Kislev*, that of the liberation of the Alter Rebbe*, author of the Tanya* and of the Shulchan Aruch*, who illuminated the eyes of Israel with a double light — Shneur (note 1: The first name of the Alter Rebbe*, meaning "two lights") — the light of the revealed part of the Torah* and that of its inner dimension, I launch an appeal to all who cherish the Torah* and the Mitzvos*, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the central Yeshiva* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch, which will take place, with the help of Hashem*, on the coming Sunday, 2 Shevat*.

The 19th of Kislev* marked the liberation of the Alter Rebbe* and the development of his conception, based on the great principle according to which the love of Hashem*, the love of the Torah*, and the love of Israel form a single entity. This observation recalls, demands, and encourages each one of us in the mission entrusted to us toward the people of Israel, which must be followed by concrete effect, in ever-increasing proportions. The Lubavitch Yeshivos* and their center in Brooklyn, which my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, established here when he arrived in America nineteen years ago (note 2: On 9 Adar Sheni* 5700/1940), have trained entire generations imbued with the love of Hashem*, the love of the Torah*, and the love of Israel, to the point of self-sacrifice.

It is a sacred obligation for all Jews who cherish the Torah* and the Mitzvos* to support the Lubavitch Yeshivos*, particularly now, on the occasion of their annual dinner, in which one will participate and at which one will collect the means to cover the annual budget, whose importance is vital for strengthening and developing the central Yeshiva* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch in Brooklyn. The merit of the one whose joy we celebrate on this day, and that of our masters and leaders, his holy successors, whose merit will protect us, will without a doubt preserve each of those who lend their support, in all their needs, so that the words of the verse be fulfilled in them: "He has redeemed my soul in peace," and that they know no want, through the merit of Tzedakah*, which establishes peace in the world. Every good action in this regard, accomplished in an ever-increasing manner, will elicit the blessings of Hashem*, also in ever-wider proportions. With my blessing for all material and spiritual good,

Menachem Schneerson,