158 —האברך יצחק הכהן, בנין בית בישראל וירידת הנשמה

B"H, Tuesday, 29 Sivan, 5704.

Brooklyn.

The distinguished Avrech vavac"h iy"a chov"b etc. hatamim Moreinu Harav Reb Yitzchak HaKohen.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your invitation to your wedding at an auspicious time, I send my blessing: Mazal Tov! May you build a home in Israel upon the foundations and inner dimension of Torah and mitzvah.

It can be said that it is known from our Sages (Eruvin 54a): 'This world that we are passing through is like a wedding feast.' Chassidus explains (Ohr HaTorah – to tzt"z – end of Beis Dvarim, "Vayomer Yehonasan," 24b) that the descent of the soul into a body in this world is analogous to a wedding; through this, it attains an aspect of Ein Sof (infinity). Similarly, the soul in this world becomes a 'traveler,' meaning it attains an unlimited quality—'with all your might.'

There are several types of such weddings—that is, ways in which a Jew serves in this world. Generally, they are divided: (a) those whose service concerns themselves—serving G‑d with their bodies and souls; (b) those whose service is in the world—those who dwell in tents (scholars) and those engaged in business. Our Sages hinted at this (end of Kiddushin): 'The world cannot exist without one who sells perfumes (something from which the soul benefits—Berachos 43b) and without a tanner (dealing with skins—the body and animal soul).' And our Sages concluded (Kiddushin ibid.): 'Fortunate is he whose faith is in Hashem.'

Within the Jewish people as a whole, this refers to the tribe of Levi who, as Maimonides writes at the end of Hilchos Shemittah V'Yovel: 'were set apart to serve G‑d and minister unto Him and to teach His upright ways and righteous judgments to many... therefore they were separated from worldly ways... rather they are G‑d's legion.' All the more so for a Kohen, about whom Maimonides continues: 'whose spirit generously moves him and whose mind has understood to set himself apart to stand before G‑d to serve Him... he becomes sanctified as holy of holies; G‑d will be his portion... and he will merit in this world what suffices for him.'

With blessings for Mazal Tov, immediate teshuvah and immediate redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe connects building a Jewish home with the soul’s Divine mission on earth. He teaches that both marriage and life’s journey bring infinite spiritual growth when rooted in Torah and mitzvah.