940 —מסירת נפש בחינוך וכוחה להביא גאולה

B"H, Zayin Adar Sheni 5711. Brooklyn, NY.

Our Torah, in all its parts, is a Torah of life and is eternal. My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, explained: "Torat Chaim means a Torah that gives guidance to each and every person in their daily life," both in individual life and certainly in communal life. There are many matters in Torah that at first glance seem unrelated to our practical lives today or to our current situation; yet upon reflection, one can find in them an example for the present situation—whether subtle or the opposite—and learn from these matters clear directives and absolute commands regarding action: arise and do, or beware lest you do.

This also applies to the discourse printed here. It strongly demands standing with mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) in the actual fulfillment of Torah and mitzvos, especially regarding chinuch (education)—without regard for the enemy who fights openly or for the avenger who is a hidden enemy fabricating accusations... with vengeance that goes beyond legal bounds. The discourse assures that these children—who continue to be tinokos shel beis rabban (children learning Torah), or who are made into such now despite all decrees, threats, tricks, and schemes—their study and education itself will silence both enemy and avenger. On the contrary: through this mesiras nefesh they will merit redemption.

Even now, in every country there are such situations—whether enemies fighting openly or avengers fighting with cunning—but their intent is always the same: control over the children. Their goal is like Achaz's: "If there are no young ones there are no elders... no students... no sages... no Torah... no Divine Presence rests in the world." And just as it was then so too it is assured now: through mesiras nefesh and unwavering stance in fulfilling Torah and mitzvos—and especially regarding chinuch—all schemes and decrees aiming to cause Torah to be forgotten from Israel or to lead them away from G‑dliness will not succeed. The children will be "for signs and wonders among Israel" and "the foundation for all your people being righteous." The power of this mesiras nefesh is great enough to merit through it the complete true redemption that will come speedily in our days through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unwavering self-sacrifice for authentic Jewish education ensures not only survival against spiritual threats but also brings about redemption for all of Israel.