1210 —חיות אלול ומשמעות ח"י אלול

B"H, 23 Elul, 5711. Brooklyn.

Shab"b Haratz vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Yochanan Twersky

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received your letter from Chai Elul, the month of mercy, and you surely know from the teachings of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—may his merit protect us—that this is the birthday of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov and our teacher the Alter Rebbe. This day is what causes "chai" (life), infusing vitality into the month of Elul in all forms of service in Elul: teshuvah, Torah, avodah (service), and acts of kindness—as hinted in the acronyms for "Elul" brought in our holy books: Et Levavecha Ve'et Levav (circumcise your heart and the heart), Ina Leyado Vesamti Lecha (if it is found by his hand I will set for you), Ish Lere'eihu Umatanot LaEvyonim (a man to his friend and gifts to the poor), Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li (I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me), as explained at length in the farbrengen talk on Chai Elul.

As we approach the new year coming upon us and all Israel for good and blessing, I hereby express my blessing to you and your family for a ketivah vachatimah tovah—a good inscription and sealing—for a good and sweet year both materially and spiritually together.

With blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Chai Elul brings unique vitality to all aspects of service during Elul—teshuvah, Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness—and extends heartfelt blessings for a good and sweet new year in both material and spiritual matters.