224 —חלוקת חוברות פסח וחשיבות ההגעה לכל ילד

B"H, 4th of Nissan, 5706.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Today, the printing of the booklet for youth about Pesach was completed by the Merkaz L'Inyonei Chinuch. We are sending you one copy. In a separate package, we will send you a certain number of copies, which you will surely want to distribute through your efforts to the students of the Talmud Torah, etc. Please let us know how many more copies to send you.

Our esteemed and honored friend Rabbi DovBer Haskind informed us about his phone conversation with you regarding the printing expenses for this booklet. According to his words and instructions—and considering the short time until Pesach that leaves no room for discussion—we have credited the printing of this first edition in your merit. As our Sages say, even Torah records and publicizes one who performs a mitzvah (see Responsa Rashba cited in Magen Avraham section 154:22), we have noted this as a remembrance in the booklet itself.

In the order of the Seder, one of the first matters is saying "Ha Lachma Anya... Kol Dichfin Yeitei Veyeichol" (This is the bread of affliction... Whoever is hungry come and eat)—the matter of Maos Chittim (charity for Pesach needs). But before this comes "Urchatz Karpas," which is done to prompt children to wonder and ask about Jewish laws and customs. Immediately after that, we remove the Seder plate—also so that children will wonder and ask. If someone says it is enough if I give my resources, energy, and time only for a wise son who is involved and interested in Judaism—or at most for a simple son who may not be wise but at least feels that Israel dwells alone and asks what this is about but does not intend to rebel—the answer comes immediately: The Torah speaks about four sons: wise, wicked, simple, and one who does not know how to ask. Moreover, regarding the wise son it is discussed in Devarim; regarding the simple son in Shemot 13; but at the beginning (Shemot 12), it is to save, draw close, and correct even those who do not know how to ask or are wicked. (And the answer to the wicked son is found in the verse about "the one who does not know," because truly all Jews are believers, children of believers. The one who acts wickedly does so only because he temporarily does not know this—even not knowing enough to ask—because a spirit of folly has entered him.)

This is what my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, outlined in Merkaz L'Inyonei Chinuch's program: to care for drawing close even those who do not know Hebrew or Yiddish or even basic Jewish customs. According to one's effort is one's reward—and satisfaction. The great merit of those participating in this work cannot be overstated. For you and your colleagues there is surely no need for lengthy explanation on this point.

Therefore we are confident that our intent above aligns with your wishes—and merit can be ascribed to a person even without his knowledge.

With blessings for all good things; immediate teshuvah; immediate redemption,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that outreach must include every Jewish child—regardless of background or knowledge—and that there is immense merit in helping all connect with their heritage before Pesach.