775 —התפקיד של אשה יהודיה וברכות לשנה החדשה

B"H, 7 Tishrei, 5711.

Blessings and greetings!

I received your letter from September 5th, and for the new year I wish you and all yours a kesivah v'chasimah tovah (a good inscription and sealing) in everything that each person needs.

You surely know the Jewish expression that the woman is called "akeres habayis" (foundation of the home), because she is the mainstay in the home. For through her will and conduct depends the will and conduct of her husband and children.

From this we learn two things: First, how great is the responsibility that the Aibershter (the Almighty) has placed upon the woman. Second, since the Aibershter has placed such a responsibility on the Jewish woman, He certainly gives her the strength to fulfill her mission in the best way.

The meaning of Rosh Hashanah is that it is "the head of the year," so just as what the head wants can be carried out by the body, so too can the good resolutions of Bnei u'Bnos Yisrael (the sons and daughters of Israel) in these days—to draw closer to Ribono Shel Olam (the Master of the World) through Torah and mitzvos—be carried out in practice throughout all days of the entire year. This is a segulah (special merit) for health, livelihood, and success in all matters.

With blessings for a kesivah v'chasimah tovah to you and all yours,

Menachem Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that a Jewish woman's central role brings both great responsibility and special Divine strength to fulfill it. By making good resolutions at Rosh Hashanah and carrying them out through Torah and mitzvos, one merits blessings for health, livelihood, and success.