1236 —1236

1. Introduction to the Letter and Its Recipient

This letter, number 1236 in volume 5 of the holy letters of the Rebbe, is addressed to Rabbi Nissen Telushkin. For those familiar with the book about the Rebbe, Rabbi Telushkin is either the father or grandfather of the author, but it is most likely his father. Rabbi Nissen Telushkin was a distinguished talmid chacham—a great Torah scholar and rabbi—who was very close to the Rebbe. He also authored works on mikvaot—ritual baths—to which the Rebbe contributed comments and notes.

The letter is dated, with gratitude to Hashem, on the 7th day of Marchezvan in the year Tovshin Yud-Beis. The Rebbe opens with a series of beautiful honorific titles for Rabbi Telushkin, followed by his customary greeting: “Shalom u’bracha”—peace and blessing.

2. The Impact of the Students’ Visit on Simchat Torah

The Rebbe acknowledges receiving Rabbi Telushkin’s letter, written on the 28th of Tishrei, in which he describes the positive influence that a group of outstanding students had during their visit to his synagogue on Simchat Torah. These were students from Lubavitcher Yeshivas who would travel to various synagogues to help others celebrate the holiday.

Rabbi Telushkin wrote about how these dear students left a strong impression and had a significant impact on all those present in his synagogue during Simchat Torah.

3. The Sacrifice and Dedication of the Students

The Rebbe emphasizes that the gratitude owed to these bachurim—young men—is even greater than one might imagine. Their visit was not just an act of kindness but an expression of true kabbalat ol—acceptance of responsibility and commitment. These students had to leave their own fabrengen—a Hasidic gathering—with fellow Hasidim and the Rebbe at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.

They gave up being at this central celebration in order to spend several hours visiting other synagogues and study halls (beit knesset, beit midrash). Not only did they go, but they did so with genuine joy and happiness, despite their desire to remain at 770 with the Rebbe and their peers.

4. The Blessing for Joy Throughout the Year

The Rebbe expresses his heartfelt wish that the joy experienced during this season of rejoicing—and especially on Simchat Torah—should extend throughout the entire year. He blesses that it should be a year filled with happiness.

The Rebbe references a well-known saying: “Simcha poretz geder”—joy breaks through all boundaries. He prays that all obstacles, limitations, obscurities, and anything that blocks or conceals blessings in the lives of Jewish sons and daughters should be broken through. The year should be good and sweet, filled with visible and revealed goodness both physically and spiritually.

5. Enclosed Booklet and Reflections on Their Relationship

The Rebbe also enclosed a booklet detailing some Chabad activities, expressing confidence that it would interest Rabbi Telushkin.

The letter appears to mark an early stage in what would become a deepening relationship between Rabbi Telushkin and the Rebbe. Over time, their connection grew stronger, marked by mutual respect. In later writings about the Rebbe by Rabbi Telushkin’s son, this evolving relationship is described as one characterized by increasing warmth and esteem between them.