138 —שליחת ספרים, ארגון מקוה, ולימודים מראש חדש אדר

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Adar 5704.

Brooklyn.

Kavod Hanichbad VeHanala vavac"h iy"a verav pealim Reb Yitzchak Neta Naak Wellington N.Z.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter from the first of Parshas Vayechi has reached us, and we were pleased to learn that the printing materials we sent to you arrived in their entirety and are, with G‑d's help, bringing great benefit to Jewish education in your camp. We have delivered your letter to your brother, our friend Reb Nachum.

As per your request, we are now sending you additional books and pamphlets according to the list attached to this letter. Please let us know how many copies to send you in the future of each type of book and pamphlet published by us, as well as confirm their receipt.

We were pleased to hear your news that a committee for building the mikveh has already been organized in your city. Surely they will recognize and understand that this is truly a matter of saving lives and bodies, and that every effort should be made to expedite the construction of the mikveh without any delay whatsoever. There is no doubt at all that if they approach this matter with strong determination to do everything within their power, Hashem will help them bring their intention from potential into action.

We received a letter from someone from New Zealand whom we did not know until now. Since it is possible he lives in your neighborhood and perhaps it would be worthwhile for you to speak with him, we are attaching here a copy of his letter to us and our response to him. We ask you to inform us of everything you know about him.

Certainly, as much as possible, you are also working on establishing a Tehillim society—as explained at length in Kuntres Michtavim Sheini from my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita which we sent you some time ago.

I will conclude with words of inspiration relevant to today's date—Rosh Chodesh Adar: Our Sages said (Shekalim 1:1), "On the first of Adar they announce about the shekalim and about kilayim (mixed species)." The connection between these two matters in one's service of his Creator during these days preceding Mashiach can be explained as follows: Our Sages said (Rosh Hashanah 11a), "Rabbi Yehoshua says: In Nissan they were redeemed; in Nissan they will be redeemed." And the halachah follows Rabbi Yehoshua that redemption is in Nissan based on the rule that between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Yehoshua the law follows Rabbi Yehoshua—as stated in Sefer Klalei HaShas—and Rashi and Tosafos explain there (Rosh Hashanah 12a) regarding our Sages' statement about the Flood following Rabbi Eliezer; they write that for calculations of seasons we follow Rabbi Yehoshua. Even according to Rabbi Eliezer who says redemption is in Tishrei, Nissan is still called "the month of redemption," since it was then that the Exodus occurred—the first complete redemption.

Just as regarding the Exodus from Egypt our Sages searched for reasons and merits by which our ancestors were redeemed (see Sotah 11b; Shemos Rabbah ch.1; etc.), how much more so after our sins caused us to be exiled from our land—it is necessary first to correct what was corrupted—that is, remove the cause of exile—and only then will redemption come. As stated in Sanhedrin (97b): Rabbi Eliezer says: If Israel repents they are redeemed...Rabbi Yehoshua says: If they do not repent...G‑d appoints over them a king whose decrees are harsh like Haman's and Israel repents—thus all agree that repentance precedes redemption.

This exile—the final one—not only requires rectification for its specific cause (as our Sages said [Yoma 9b]: The Second Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred), but through our service during exile now comes completion of all spiritual refinements—as hinted by our Sages (Sanhedrin 98a): The son of David comes only in a generation entirely meritorious or entirely guilty—meaning there will no longer be any mixture of good and evil; this mixture began with Adam's sin regarding good and evil knowledge.

This is hinted at by the Mishnah at the beginning of Shekalim: On Rosh Chodesh Adar—which serves as preparation for Nissan, "the month of redemption" (see Rashi on Taanis 29a: "When Adar enters—days of miracles for Israel: Purim and Pesach")—and it is known that Rosh Chodesh is considered both head and inclusive source for its entire month; therefore we pray then "renew this month for us..." Thus on Rosh Chodesh Adar Beis Din proclaims regarding all work for this month which serves as preparation for redemption—and there are two aspects here: concerning shekalim—all Jews are equal; neither rich nor poor gives more or less—and everyone unites together as one whole entity offering a sacrifice to Hashem; thus all become one group doing their Father's will above—this rectifies specifically what caused this exile: baseless hatred.

Additionally they proclaim about kilayim—that kelipah (spiritual impurity) and sitra achra (the other side), which are completely opposite holiness—there is no greater mixture than mixing species or good/evil; these must be uprooted entirely. Through such service it also fulfills what our Sages said (Taanis 29a): "When Adar enters—from Rosh Chodesh onward—we increase (both as commandment and promise) in joy." May Hashem grant speedily that all Jews experience light, joy, gladness, and honor.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages unity through communal mitzvos like giving shekalim and eradicating division symbolized by kilayim. He urges swift action on communal needs such as building a mikveh while emphasizing teshuvah as essential preparation for redemption during these auspicious days.