66 —מטרת ופעולות מחנה ישראל וכוח האחדות היהודית

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...The good news that reached us regarding your dedication to everything connected with Jewish education prompted us to write this letter to you. Surely you have heard, as is well known, about "Machane Yisrael," which was established by my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, and which, with G‑d's help, has already accomplished much for strengthening Judaism—such as Shabbat observance, Torah study, family purity, tefillin laying, and more. "Machane Yisrael" has greatly benefited the spiritual state of Jewish soldiers. Through "Machane Yisrael," a Mishnayos Ba'al Peh (Oral Mishnah) society was also founded, which distributes by lottery sections of Mishnayos (chapters per year) to its members for them to learn by heart and review at every opportunity—while walking outside, standing in a shop, traveling by train, etc.

We are sending you in a special envelope articles explaining the purpose and activities of "Machane Yisrael," and surely in your location as well there is ample opportunity and work in all areas of "Machane Yisrael's" activities. We look forward to receiving your letters with good news about your efforts in these matters.

During Purim it is explained by our Sages (Megillah 13b) that the shekels given annually by Israel—the half-shekel—nullified Haman's shekels that he gave to Achashverosh for the destruction of the Jews. The half-shekel was given as a foundation for the first Mishkan among Israel—that is, for the sockets of the Mishkan—and later they were used to purchase communal offerings; in both cases: 'the rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less.' This means: when Haman arises seeking to destroy and annihilate [the Jews], the advice is: 'Go gather all the Jews,' and how do all Jews unite with proper awakening? It is through laying the foundation of the Beis HaMikdash that exists within every single Jew—the pintele yid (the essential Jewish spark) found in everyone without distinction of party—for in this all are equal: both those rich in knowledge and those who are poor or most simple. When this foundation is laid, then one awakens that spark; building a splendid Beis HaMikdash reveals that every Jew is a holy sanctuary where the Eibershter (the Almighty) rests; one just needs to know how to awaken it.

With blessings for a joyous Purim and immediate teshuvah leading immediately to redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true Jewish unity comes from awakening the inner sanctuary within every Jew—the pintele yid—through communal efforts like those of Machane Yisrael. This unity empowers us spiritually and helps overcome even great threats.