92 —תמיכה בהדפסת תורה, תפקיד בעלי עסק, ואהבת ישראל

B"H, Wednesday, the 10th of Menachem Av, 5715.

Brooklyn, NY.

Yaakov Katz.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With thanks we acknowledge receipt of your letter from Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av along with the check for $112.50 for the printing expenses of the talks of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, from Pesach 5715. We also received a similar check from Reb Shmuel Palmer; therefore we are sending the manuscripts to the printer, and as soon as it is published you will be sent a number of copies as you indicate.

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

Among two types—those who dwell in tents (Torah scholars) and businesspeople—in several areas businesspeople have a great advantage. Especially since not only do they themselves study Torah (which is an obligation for everyone as stated in Shulchan Aruch), but they also enable others to engage in Torah study. For this reason Zevulun is mentioned before Yissachar (see Rashi Devarim 33:18; Bereishis Rabbah 72). The merit is even greater when this is done freely without ulterior motives.

This is the concept of Ahavas Yisrael: doing good for a fellow Jew even if one has never seen him (as stated by Rabbeinu HaZaken—see Hayom Yom p.28), so there is no place for personal motives. This especially applies to Kohanim—as we say "and He commanded us to bless His people Israel with love," specifically so that even someone outside the synagogue receives blessing even though the Kohen does not know who he is (see Shulchan Aruch).

It is known that an awakening from below arouses an awakening Above; and through free charity—as our Sages say (Kesubos 50a), making efforts so that others have books to learn from is itself tzedakah—this brings redemption closer. Regarding exile and redemption it says (Yeshayahu 52:3; see Sanhedrin 97b regarding this exile): "You were sold for nothing and not with money shall you be redeemed." One must request this through G‑d's free kindness—as explained by Rabbeinu HaZaken (Iggeres HaKodesh sec.62)—that this was Yaakov's trait: he was not satisfied with just a promise given to him. Then our G‑d—as our Sages poetically say (Sanhedrin 39a): "A Kohen—he will bless His people Israel with peace," meaning peace of Malchus Beis David (Bamidbar Rabbah ch.11)—will quickly bring Mashiach ben David in our days.

Blessings for immediate teshuvah and immediate redemption,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe thanks supporters for enabling Torah dissemination and teaches that businesspeople have unique merit when they help others learn Torah. Selfless giving—especially among Kohanim—expresses true Ahavas Yisrael and hastens redemption through G‑d's kindness.