1. The Rebbe’s Letter on a Suda Seydo
I was asked to focus only on divrei Torah—words of Torah—and not to share personal feelings or elaborate, so I will do just that. To begin, I want to read a letter from the Rebbe that is especially appropriate for our gathering. Since it is a letter from the Rebbe, perhaps it is fitting to stand while we hear it.
The Rebbe addresses those participating in a suda seydo—a meal of thanksgiving. He opens with greetings of sholom uvrochah—peace and blessing. The Rebbe writes that he was pleased to hear about their gathering for this purpose and highlights two central themes of such an event.
2. Two Central Themes: Ahavas Yisroel and Gratitude
The first theme the Rebbe mentions is ve’ahavta l’reyacha kamocha—loving your fellow as yourself, which is a fundamental principle in Torah. Coming together to give strength and thanks to Hashem fulfills the mitzvah of ahavas Yisroel—love for fellow Jews.
The second theme is hoydu laHashem ki tov, ki le’olam chazdoi—give thanks to Hashem for He is good, His kindness endures forever. The Rebbe quotes the verse, yoydu laHashem chazdoi v’niflo’osov livnei adam—let us thank Hashem for His kindness and wonders that He does for people.
3. Recognizing Hashem’s Hand in Creation and Healing
The Rebbe explains that these ideas are foundational to creation itself, as we learn in Shaar HaYichud Ve’emuna. Through these gatherings, we recognize how Hashem sometimes overrides the natural order with open miracles for people in this world. This awareness strengthens our emunah—faith—that Hashem constantly creates and sustains everything.
The letter concludes with a blessing: based on the ruling of the Alter Rebbe, when one gives thanks after recovering from illness, it is evidence of full recovery. The Rebbe encourages us not to delay holding a suda seydo, but rather to express gratitude promptly as a sign of complete healing.
4. The Power of Thanksgiving and Its Reward
The Rebbe continues that through this act of thanksgiving, we draw down continued healing—refuah shleimah, complete recovery—until health is restored in every sense. Those who participate in supporting others at such gatherings are rewarded by Hashem measure for measure, but even more so: Hashem’s way is to repay many times over.
The ultimate blessing is that Hashem should protect us so we never need healing in the first place—l’chatchila lo yaasim alecha machalah, “from the outset He will not place illness upon you.” May we all merit only good news—b’suros tovos—in revealed and visible ways all our days.
5. Insights into “HaGomel LeChayovim Tovos”
This message connects with the time period around Gimmel Tammuz and Yud Beis Tammuz. One of the first discourses the Rebbe delivered was on the phrase: Baruch haGomel lechayovim tovos sheg’molani tov—“Blessed is Hashem who bestows good even upon those who are guilty.” What does this mean?
The Bais Yosef explains that this refers to others: just as Hashem does good even for those undeserving, so too He has done good for me even if I am not worthy. However, the Frierdiker Rebbe taught that it refers specifically to the person who experienced salvation—he himself may feel unworthy (chayovim) yet Hashem showed him kindness regardless.
6. Humility Before Hashem’s Kindness
This raises a question: How can one say about great tzaddikim or shluchim dedicated wholly to fulfilling their mission that they are “guilty” or unworthy? These are among the holiest individuals! The Rebbe explains at length that as one draws closer to Hashem, even previous levels of service seem insufficient compared to where one now stands.
This humility allows us to recognize every kindness from Hashem as an expression of His infinite love—min hameitzar el hamerchav, “from distress into expansiveness.” In fact, difficult situations often become the beginning of new growth and greater revelation.
7. The Takeaway: Gratitude and Blessing Going Forward
This message applies directly to us today: It would be mistaken to say anyone here truly deserves hardship (chayovim). Rather, we recognize our limitations and thank Hashem for His revealed blessings—b’tov hanireh v’hanigleh. May we merit fulfilling our mission fully and receive only health, goodness, nachas, and all blessings for ourselves and all Klal Yisroel with true expansiveness.
Thank you for listening. Shabbat shalom.