Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9470

By the grace of Hashem,

Shushan Purim* 5728,
Brooklyn, New York,

At the annual banquet of the women's auxiliary of Brownsville and East New York of the Yeshivot* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch*, to all the participants, may Hashem grant you long life,

I greet you and bless you,

I extend my greetings and blessing to all the participants in the annual banquet.[1] May Hashem cause this celebration to have great success in all domains. Being still under the influence of the days of Purim*, the participants will surely recall the specific role played by a Jewish woman, Esther*, in the miracle of this festival. This idea is also underscored by the fact that the Megilla*[2] bears precisely the name Megillat Esther*,[3] just as the fast preceding Purim*[4] is the Fast of Esther.*[3]

If one examines this Fast of Esther*,[3] one can note that, unlike all the others, it was instituted by Mordechai*, at Esther's* request. Indeed, the other fasts concern men and women obligated in the practice of Mitzvot*, whereas that of Esther* was observed in the same way by children — not only those who, receiving an education, are capable of fasting and actually do so, at least for a few hours, but also the very young, who also fasted for three days, on the same level as adults, as the Midrash* Esther Rabbah*, ch. 9, §4, reports.

From this it follows that at certain times, in certain situations, one must also know how to rely on young children, with all one's energy, in the most complete manner. And if someone wonders why he should concern himself with what does not belong to him, one need only recall that Mordechai*, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin*,[6] personally devoted himself to young children. They fasted and gave of themselves. Through them was obtained the divine salvation of all the people of Israel.

One can deduce from all this the immense merit of all those who devote themselves to helping the Yeshivot* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch*, so that they educate children in the spirit just defined. May this merit protect each one, so as to be blessed in all needs, in particular to experience Jewish satisfaction from children and grandchildren. With my blessing of success and to give me good news,

M. Schneerson

Notes

[1] See Likutei Sichot*, vol. 6, p. 385.
[2] See regarding this, letter no. 9457.
[3] The Rebbe* emphasizes the words: "Megillat Esther", "Fast of Esther" and "Fast of Esther."
[4] See Likutei Sichot*, vol. 6, pp. 371 and 372.
[5] See notably Midrash* Esther Rabbah*, ch. 8 §7, ch. 9 §4, ch. 10 §4, as well as Yalkut Shimoni*, Esther, §857.
[6] See tractate Megilla* 13b and 16b.