The Rebbe Writes - Profound Insights Into Life and Spirituality
Week Ending: Friday, 30 July, 2010 - Shabbos Eikev, 20 Av, 5770
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 5.13 pm - Shabbos ends: 6.13 pm   


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16th of Menachem Av, 5732 [1972]
 

I have just received a telephone report about the success of yesterday's event, at which you were not only the main speaker, but also the moving spirit. I was most gratified to be informed that the affair was a great success.

Although there is no need to express thanks for doing a mitzvah [commandment], for, as our Sages of the Mishnah declare, "the reward of a mitzvah is the mitzvah itself," I nevertheless want to express my gratification at receiving the above mentioned good report about the impact of your address on an audience which included Jews of considerable potential. It is good for people of their position and standing in the community to hear a presentation of Yiddishkeit [Judaism] in its true form, undiluted and uncompromised, especially, as I am told, that this was the first breakthrough into this circle. Furthermore, I am told that your address was received not only with an open mind and without prejudice, but also had an inspiring response.

There is the well known Talmudic parable about the person who enjoyed the full benefits of a fruitful tree and said to it: "Tree, oh tree, with what should I bless you?"

Similarly, the blessing that I wish to give you in connection with the above is that in your endeavors and accomplishments you should see the fulfillment of the saying of our Sages, "He who has 100, desires 200; and having attained 200, desires 400." This is to say that your hatzlochah [success] in inspiring Jewish souls and lighting them up with the light of "Torah-Or" [the Light of the Torah] should not only go from strength to strength, but should advance in geometrical progression, as indicated in the above saying. I also trust that the contacts you make in this way will be maintained and followed up, so that they may continue to enjoy your good influence. The Zechus Harabim [merit of the multitude] will surely stand you in good stead to receive G-d's blessings in similar growing proportions, both materially and spiritually.

The present days, especially now that we have passed the 15th of Av, are particularly auspicious for the study of the Torah and for all efforts to spread and strengthen Yiddishkeit in a growing measure. I trust this will be so with you, and that the concerted efforts by all who are aware of the significance of these days, will help to reverse the causes of the Churban [destruction of the Holy Temples] and Golus [Exile] ("Because of our sins we were exiled from our land"), and hasten the arrival of our righteous Moshiach, may he come speedily in our time.

 

Adapted and reprinted with the permission of Sichos In English
Pictures are  by Zalmen Kleinman