Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9452
Volume 25 · Letter 74 · To: responsables et amis des écoles Beth Rivka
By the grace of Hashem,
New Year of the Trees*[1] 5728,
Brooklyn, New York,
To the directors and friends of the Beth Rivkah* schools in general,
and to those taking part in the annual Melaveh Malkah* in particular,
may Hashem grant you long life,
I greet and bless you,
I am replying to the announcement of your annual Melaveh Malkah*, which will take place at the conclusion of the holy Shabbat* Parashat Yitro*. May Hashem make this evening — the only one organized during the year — a great success, materially and spiritually. Without doubt, each participant at this Melaveh Malkah* will bring with him a broad measure of inspiration, emanating from the Sidrah* of this Shabbat,[2] whose central theme is the Giving of the Torah*[3] and the Receiving of the Torah*.[3]
The particular role of Jewish women and girls in the Receiving of the Torah* is underscored by the Torah* itself, for Hashem commanded Moshe* our teacher to present the Receiving of the Torah* first to the women[4] and only thereafter to the men. The Torah* thereby emphasizes that the Jewish woman,[5] the "mistress of the house,"[3] she of the "House of Yaakov*",[6] occupies a very important place therein. It is she who ensures and strengthens the Jewish way of life, day by day, for the people of Israel.
Of course, to fully fulfill this mission, one must first ensure, in the best possible manner, the Torah education of girls. From this one can infer how fundamental the role of the Beth Rivkah* schools for girls is. Indeed, a few days ago, on 10 Shevat*, was celebrated the Hillulah* of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, founder of the Beth Rivkah* schools, who devoted so much time and energy to their creation and development. Each and every participant at this Melaveh Malkah* will draw from this [inspiration] and translate it into practical action, in a way that is constantly growing.
Notes
[1] 15 Shevat — Tu BiShvat*.
[2] See Likutei Sichot*, volume 6, page 342.
[3] The Rebbe underlines the words: "Giving of the Torah," "Receiving of the Torah," "mistress of the house," "House of Yaakov."
[4] See Midrash Shemot Rabbah* and Rashi* on Shemot* 19:3.
[5] The Rebbe underlines: "Jewish woman."
[6] Shemot* 19:3.