65 —יסוד בית רבקה, תמיכת תלמידים, ושוויון מחצית השקל

B"H, Thursday, 11 Adar Sheni 5715.

Brooklyn, NY.

BaYom HaZeh Ba'u Midbar Sinai. 5715.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letters—and please forgive the delay, as I was occupied with preparing the calendar for Chabad Chassidim being published these days.

a) Some time ago I wrote to you regarding the foundation of "Beis Rivka," and it is astonishing that this entire matter is being ignored in silence. From our friend etc., Maharashal shiyichyeh, we also have not heard a sufficient reason for delaying this matter for so long. Every day that passes is an irretrievable loss; many girls could have become—regarding themselves—guardians of Torah and mitzvos, and regarding their influence on others—a model and example through the change in their conduct brought about by proper education at Beis Rivka. Especially as explained in Chassidus: even if through such education a single girl would make one additional blessing during this entire period beyond her usual practice—and by this she would unite completely with the Divine Will—this unity above is eternal forever. Even though we must understand how this works, but the Alter Rebbe testifies that it is so. It is also known as a legal ruling that a person should see himself and the whole world as balanced, and through one mitzvah etc. (Rambam Teshuvah 3:4). So when does one put this off? G‑d forbid I mean to give rebuke or admonition; but I am astonished at your attitude toward this whole matter. I write this in my letter to you since you were the one who answered on behalf of all the Temimim regarding this question.

b) Please inform us what was the outcome concerning the bochur... from Munkacs; here too there is room for comment similar to point a). Is it really so difficult to provide for and support a single boy that it cannot be resolved?

c) The instruction regarding how to send the packages was delayed; from now on they will be sent as written.

d) Your request regarding Hakodesh funds and the money has been fulfilled at its proper time, as well as for Harav A.P. shiyichyeh; his account is enclosed. It is certainly unnecessary to urge him about settling the debt, since lack of funds currently delays printing some items.

e) A strong request to continue the list of recollections and return to me Rabbi D.'s document which I sent you for copying.

f) What were the results of spreading sichos in that school?

I will conclude with today's custom commemorating Machatzis HaShekel: its nature is that neither the rich give more nor the poor less—everyone is equal. Through Machatzis HaShekel Haman's shekalim were nullified (Megillah 13b), whose decree was also equally upon all Jews from youth etc.—see Purim 5701 sichah on this—and they were saved because they acted with self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh), where again everyone is equal—even those with "hard hearts" etc., as explained in Tanya ch. 19—that all are like fools before Him (the Blessed One) and do not know.

May Hashem grant us all together to merit the coming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu who comes unexpectedly (Sanhedrin 97a), as written in Iggeres HaKodesh sec. 4: this is a revelation of the innermost point of the heart—from which all Israel from great to small are equal and have one Father—as explained in Tanya ch. 32 (unlike their source in Chochmah Ila'ah where they differ in greatness and virtue).

Summary

The Rebbe urges immediate action on founding Beis Rivka due to its lasting spiritual impact, stresses communal responsibility for supporting students, and highlights how Machatzis HaShekel teaches equality among Jews—emphasizing unity and self-sacrifice as central themes.