101 —עידוד והדרכה לחיילים יהודים בצבא ארצות הברית

Shalom u'Vrachah! On the eve of Rosh Hashanah 5704. Shalom u'Vrachah!

We are sending you here a small booklet – the content of a conversation with the Rebbe Rayatz shlita of Lubavitch – words of encouragement, inspiration, and trust. Included are the first paragraph of Krias Shema and selected chapters of Tehillim, which the Rebbe shlita chose to be recited at appropriate times, as explained inside the booklet.

We are confident that you will read it often, and from it you will draw strength in faith, courage of heart, love for your fellow Jews, and closeness to your religion, Torah, and mitzvos.

We also wish to quote here some words that the Rebbe shlita said at a large gathering: It is a great mitzvah and sacred duty for everyone to publicize and inform every Jew found in the army—on land, sea, or air—the following: Our Sages said that whoever puts on tefillin merits long life. Our brothers in the army! Be careful to put on tefillin every weekday. If a soldier cannot possibly put them on in the morning, he should do so at noon—as long as it is before sunset. This is a segulah (spiritual merit) that Hashem will return you safely to your homes." Be careful in fulfilling mitzvos—especially this one—and encourage all your friends likewise.

As we approach the coming year, we wish you a good and sweet year; may all evil soon vanish like smoke; may this year end with its curses and begin with blessings; may you return home healthy and whole—with distinction both as a Jew and as an American; and may we all together with all our fellow Jews merit complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily.

L'Shanah Tovah Tikaseiv V'Seichaseim!

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson Chairman Vaad HaPoel Machane Israel

To be translated into English and sent together with the above-mentioned booklet to Jewish soldiers in the US Army. See note to previous letter.

This is reported in Kuntres Lubavitch (First Booklet p. 7): Aside from its regular activities on various fronts strengthening Judaism among different circles, recently Machane Israel has taken on significant work connecting with Jewish soldiers—to provide them various forms of help and strengthen their spirit. The message to Jewish soldiers—heard in a talk from the Rebbe shlita and published in English translation by Machane Israel—made a strong impression.

The main theme of this message is: "With faith and trust in the Almighty one is courageous and secure." In clear and concise language, the Rebbe shlita explains about Divine Providence (hashgachah pratis), about trust (bitachon), about the spark of faith implanted within every Jew; about spiritual dangers facing Jewish soldiers and how to guard against them; how to remove fear and worry; etc. This message is sent to every soldier who requests it as well as chaplains who distribute it among Jewish soldiers in their units.

Summary

This letter encourages Jewish soldiers with faith-based guidance, emphasizing tefillin observance for protection and spiritual strength. It highlights unity among Jews everywhere while wishing safety, health, distinction as Jews—and ultimate redemption through Moshiach.