89 —עדכון בריאות, הדפסת שיחות, וכוח אהבת ישראל

B"H, Sunday, 7th of Menachem Av, 5705.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Thank you for your inquiry about the well-being of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita. His health is as usual, though understandably the heat of these weeks has caused some weakness. It is unfortunate that until now he has not been able to travel to a countryside retreat to rest and recover a bit from his heavy workload. The Healer of all flesh will surely grant him health, and he will continue to improve along with all our friends and Anash.

We thank you for confirming receipt of your check for $112.50 towards the printing expenses of the Pesach talks of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita. We have also received an equivalent sum from the esteemed Reb Yitzchak Katz. Therefore, we are sending the manuscripts to print, and as soon as they are published they will be sent to you.

In addition to our thanks comes a Mazal Tov blessing for meriting such an important matter—to be among those who enable many to benefit spiritually by illuminating their souls with the words of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, thereby inspiring them in Torah study, service of G‑d, and acts of kindness.

In these days of Menachem Av, our Sages said regarding the cause of destruction: The First Temple was destroyed because Torah was not valued by that generation even though they studied it (Bava Metzia 85b), while the Second Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred (Yoma 9b). Thus we find that building the First Temple—which had complete holiness—was specifically through Shlomo (Solomon), whose name means peace because there was peace in his days (Divrei HaYamim I 22:9), even with those nations whom David his father had fought—completely opposite baseless hatred. He also taught Torah to the people and worked through matters of fear of Heaven so that Israel would cling to Torah (Eruvin 21b)—the complete opposite of devaluing Torah.

At all times and places, anyone who acts to benefit many out of pure Ahavas Yisrael (love for fellow Jews) without ulterior motives—especially actions that ultimately strengthen Torah and Judaism—brings closer our Redemption and rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash through Moshiach Tzidkeinu. When he comes he too will begin with peace (Vayikra Rabbah ch. 29).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that supporting Torah dissemination out of true Ahavas Yisrael strengthens Jewish life and hastens Redemption. Acts done selflessly for others counteract past causes of destruction and help rebuild holiness in our world.