Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7568 — Health

By the grace of Hashem,

Tu BiShevat* 5721, New Year of the Trees,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the association of Chabad* women and girls, group of (note 1: This letter was addressed to several groups), may Hashem grant you long life,

I bless you and greet you,

The Hilula* of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, leader of Israel, passed a few days ago and explanations have already been given on this subject during the Chassidic* farbrengen* that took place at the conclusion of the holy Shabbos* Parshas* Shirah*. You will find enclosed extracts thereof (note 2: See the preceding letter). But I would like, in addition, through the present letter, to underscore the particular merit and, simultaneously, the great responsibility incumbent upon Jewish women in general, and upon Chabad* women and girls in particular. They must put into practice, in their lives, what is explained by this talk, demonstrating the self-sacrifice that must be displayed for the education of Jewish children, based on sacred values.

One can verify in practice that education, especially during the very first years, depends to a large extent, or even entirely, on the woman. More generally, the three qualities that are the characteristics of the Jewish people — compassion, modesty, and benevolence — are expressed much more strongly in women. Now, compassion and benevolence are particularly important for the education of children.

May Hashem grant that you accomplish all this in good health and with good morale, permeated with Chassidic* enthusiasm and clarity. And may Hashem grant you success in this matter. Without doubt, He will thereby bestow upon you His blessings in increased proportion, including in the personal needs of each of you and of the members of your families, to whom Hashem will grant long days and good years. With my blessing to give good tidings of all that has just been said,