Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8417 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

Lag BaOmer* 5722,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the members of the association of women and young women

of Chabad*, in every place and to the participants of the seventh

annual convention, in particular (note 1: See the Likkutei Sichos*, volume 2, page 683),

may Hashem grant you long life,

I bless you and greet you,

The annual convention takes place, this time, immediately after the Shabbos Chazak* (note 2: The Rebbe* underlines the words: 'Shabbos Chazak,' 'Vayikra,' 'Law of the Kohanim,' 'Book of the sacrifices,' 'you shall be for Me a nation of priests,' 'Serving Hashem,' 'with,' 'sacrifices,' 'sacrifices,' and 'mistress of the house'), during which we conclude the book of Vayikra* (note 2), which is called "Law of the Kohanim*" (note 2) and "Book of the sacrifices" (note 2). From this derives the following teaching. All Jews, in general, and each one, in particular, must identify themselves with Kohanim*. Hashem says, indeed, that: "you shall be for Me a nation of priests" (note 2). A Kohen* was distinguished in order to devote himself to the service of Hashem, not only for himself, but also for his brethren, for the entire people of Israel. Likewise, every Jew has for his mission to devote himself to the service of Hashem. He is also invested with a responsibility toward his surroundings.

Serving Hashem (note 2) does not have the effect of withdrawing from the world and isolating oneself. On the contrary, one must carry out this service within the world, with (note 2) the world and first of all in one's own home, which will be directed in such a way that the Divine Presence can be revealed therein, as it is said: "They shall make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell among them." To achieve all of this, one must adopt the conduct that is suggested by the sacrifices (note 2).

To carry out these sacrifices (note 2), one had to take possessions in one's ownership, a lamb, flour, oil, wine, salt and other elements still, and one made of all of this an offering. The Olah* sacrifice was entirely consecrated to Hashem. That of Shelamim* was, in part, consumed on the altar, the rest being eaten, in a state of purity, by the Kohen* and by the one who offered it. It is in this manner that a Jewish home must be directed, with all that is accomplished therein. The Divine Presence must be fully revealed therein. It is thus that it can be blessed, materially and spiritually. The concrete realization of all of this depends, to a large extent, on the Jewish woman, the mistress of the house (note 2). It is for her to introduce the Presence of Hashem in her home and in her family life. She must also educate her children in this spirit.

May Hashem cause you to fully assume your mission, with the warmth and enthusiasm characteristic of Chassidus*. You will thereby hasten the moment of the reconstruction of the Temple, when the service of Hashem will be reestablished therein, at the true and complete deliverance, by our righteous Moshiach*, very soon and in our days. With my wishes and my blessing that the convention and, more generally, all its participants accomplish all that has just been said with success, in joy and enthusiasm,

Menachem Schneerson,