305 —בית הכנסת פרי, עליה לרבי, וקניית פסוקים עבור חסידים נעדרים

B"H, 25 Tishrei 5708.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Kvod haVavac"h iy"a nu"n mo"m b'emunah Mohar"y sheyichyeh haKohen

I had expected that we would see each other here during Sukkos (as was your custom to come to the Rebbe my father-in-law shlita for these days) and wish each other a Piska Tava for a good and joyous year. Unfortunately, you did not come this year. Hopefully everything is well with you and your family in bodily health.

Of the virtues of the Kohanim and their service—which also exist after the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash—is Birkat Kohanim during prayer, as synagogues are indeed called a "miniature sanctuary." One of the things that aliyah l'regel at the Beis HaMikdash would accomplish for a Jew, as Chassidus explains, is that he would bow—not just outwardly with his body but also with his soul; meaning he would nullify all his soul powers—will, intellect, emotions—to the Aibershter. Therefore it is understood that a synagogue where this inner bowing is best carried out is more of a miniature sanctuary, closer to the level of the Beis HaMikdash.

This is what a chassid finds when he davens in his Rebbe's beis midrash, since every chassid is more or less nullified to his Rebbe. And when a chassid who is a Kohen does Birkat Kohanim in his Rebbe's beis midrash compared to doing so in an ordinary beis midrash—it is closer to Birkat Kohanim in the Beis HaMikdash (which was incomparably greater than Birkat Kohanim elsewhere—see Mishnah Sotah 37b).

As you know, every year on Simchas Torah in Pri they sell pesukim from Atah Hareisa according to the order set by my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita for Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch. This year, since you were not here, I was initially unsure what to do: a) whether to buy a pasuk for you; b) if yes, for what amount—especially since you did not write about it. However, considering that: a) According to the Old Rebbe's wording (Iggeres HaKodesh siman 16): "It has not escaped me... that livelihood has become difficult... yet still they do not do well... who have withheld their open hand until today from giving generously." b) Charity is not just a loan to Hashem... and its reward will be paid double in this world. c) There is concern... when one's friends are counted for a mitzvah matter and he is not counted among them. d) As I once heard from my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita: "One should not show ways to minimize." e) Zechin l'adam shelo b'fanav (one may act beneficially on behalf of someone even without their presence)—I concluded that I should count it as if you bought a pasuk this year as before—for the same amount (18 times 18 dollars).

The pesukim of "Atah Hareisa" on Simchas Torah in Pri which were bought for those who were not present were recited by my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita.

With blessings for all good things for him and all his family sheyichyu,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
Chairman of Vaad HaPoel

In a separate packet you have been sent some of our latest publications; please confirm receipt.

From a copy by secretariat.
For content see also previous letter.
Mohar " y sh " y : Katz.
Further letters to him: above #104 and those referenced there.
Chairman Vaad HaPoel: Malach.

Summary

The letter highlights how prayer and Birkat Kohanim in one's Rebbe's synagogue elevate spiritual experience closer to that of the Beis HaMikdash. The importance of communal participation—even when absent—and giving tzedakah generously are emphasized as enduring values.