Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9232

By the grace of Hashem,

28 Tishrei* 5727,
Brooklyn, New York,

To all the participants at the annual dinner of the
Yeshiva* Achei Temimim* of Newark,
may Hashem grant you long life,

I greet you and bless you,

The education and formation of the younger generation[1] have always been among the noblest and most fundamental objectives of every people in general and of the Jewish people in particular. Our holy Torah*, Torah of life,[2] the true guide to Jewish life — whose name shares the same root[3] as Hora'ah*[2] (teaching) — itself accords the greatest importance to this education, in everyday life, as it is said:[4] "And you shall teach them to your children."[2] From the time of our father Avraham*, of whom it was said:[5] "So that he will instruct his children"[2] — down to our day — education is the fundamental role entrusted to parents in particular and to the entire Jewish community in general.

This year, the importance of education is particularly emphasized,[6] since it is the year following the Shemittah*, the year of Hakhel*.[2] This specific Mitzvah* was observed once every seven years during the time of the Temple. Then all Jews — parents and children, including the very youngest, and even the "strangers," as it is said:[7] "the stranger who is within your gates"[2] — had to gather at the Temple to hear the king,[8] who in person[2] read certain passages of the Torah. In this way, each person was imbued with the spirit of this Torah, the Mitzvot* and the fear of Hashem.

This particular event underscores the immense value of the education of young and old alike. It reminds the leaders of the people and parents, and demands of them, that they fully assume the mission entrusted to them. It establishes once again the fundamental role of the education of children at all ages. Indeed, those who were too young to understand:[9] "your little ones who do not know"[2] — still had to participate in this Hakhel*, in order to prepare for the future. For Jewish education begins from the youngest age.

At present, it is impossible to fulfill the Mitzvah* of Hakhel[2] as it was done in the time of the Temple. Yet it still subsists in its moral dimension. It issues a call to each man and woman, to parents and all Jews, and in particular to community leaders and directors. It demands of everyone to fulfill his mission — which is also an immense merit — in all that concerns education based on sacred values, for each man and woman, according to the means at his disposal.

It is to be hoped that all the participants and friends of the Yeshiva* Achei Temimim will give concrete expression to the spirit of Hakhel[2] as just defined, on the occasion of this annual celebration. To this end, they will strengthen and develop all the efforts they devote to this educational institution — one of the finest among those providing an education based on sacred values in your community. With my respects, my blessing for success, and to give good tidings,

Mena'hem Schneerson,

Notes

[1] See the Likkutei Sichot*, vol. 9, p. 378.
[2] The Rabbi underlines the words: "Torah of life," "Hora'ah," "and you shall teach them to your children," "so that he will instruct his children," "Hakhel," "the stranger who is within your gates," "the king in person," "your little ones who do not know," "Hakhel" and "Hakhel."
[3] See the commentary of the Radak* on the verse Tehillim* 19:8 and the Zohar*, vol. 3, p. 53b.
[4] Va'etchanan 6:7.
[5] Vayera 18:19.
[6] See, on this matter, letter no. 9217.
[7] Vayelech 31:12.
[8] See the Likkutei Sichot*, vol. 34, p. 189, note 20.
[9] Vayelech 31:13.