194 —התפקיד הייחודי של כהן ותמיכה בהפצת חב"ד

B"H, the twelfth day of Elul, 5705.

Mehor"m HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter, and all the checks you sent according to your instructions have been delivered. Surely, you have already received receipts from each individual. I thank you for your wishes for success in our work to spread the wellsprings of Chabad outward. May it be G-d's will that your blessing—which surely comes from the depths of your heart—be fulfilled, and that you, as a Kohen, take part in this work and therefore also in the reward that comes from it.

That is why I write "in our work," because this work is primarily yours. In this work, one can be certain that it is his portion and his lot. For generally, when a person chooses his path in life and occupation, he does not know for sure if he has chosen his destined portion—as our Sages say (Pesachim 54b): "Seven things are hidden from people...and a person does not know by what he will earn." But matters not dependent on choice and given to him from Above are certainly his, and with them he must serve his Creator—for this is the purpose of man's creation on earth, as our Sages say (end of Kiddushin): "I was created to serve my Creator." Especially those matters given to a person from birth. For example: whether he is a Yisrael, Levi or Kohen.

The distinction between these types—even though each includes aspects of all—is written in Tanach, explained by our Sages, and ruled as practical law by the Rambam: (a) The difference between Levi and other Israelites—see (end of Hilchos Shemittah v'Yovel): "Levi...was set apart to serve G-d and minister to Him" (referring to service in the Temple; see Hilchos Klei HaMikdash ch. 3), "and to teach His upright ways and just laws to many." Since every type—Kohen or Levi—includes all aspects, Rambam concludes: "Not only Shevet Levi but anyone..." (see also Yoma 26a). This includes Kohanim as well. (b) The Kohen adds upon the Levi—in Hilchos Klei HaMikdash ch. 4: they were separated from among the Levites for sacrificial service—as it says (Devarim 33:10): "They shall teach Your judgments"—referring to the entire tribe including Kohanim; "they shall place incense..." refers only to Kohanim.

The fulfillment of "they shall teach Your judgments and Your Torah" can be through public Torah teaching of any kind; "they shall place incense and burnt offerings," which today corresponds to prayer established in place of sacrifices—and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said Minchah corresponds to incense (Tosafos s.v. ad Berachos 26b; see also Lechem Mishneh Hilchos Tefillah ch. 3 halachah 2)—can be achieved by inspiring one's fellow in prayer and attachment to the Creator in any form. But both together—Torah teaching and burnt offering; Torah and prayer—which are both incumbent upon the Kohen as above—this is specifically through Chabad Chassidus, which encompasses both: Torah with awe of Heaven and service through prayer via Chabad.

And greater is action—as it would be fitting for you to organize a committee in your area that would undertake, without vow, a fixed monthly sum dedicated to supporting our work—your work and ours—the printing and dissemination of books published according to the instructions of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita.

With blessings for inscription in the Book of Life for immediate teshuvah—immediate redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that certain missions are divinely assigned rather than chosen by man; being a Kohen carries unique spiritual responsibilities. Supporting Chabad outreach combines Torah study with heartfelt prayer—the core tasks entrusted especially to those with such roles.