349 —ברכות על לידת נכד, מקורות למאמרים, ותפקידי אבל בתפילה

B"H, 12 Nissan, 5708.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

We begin with a blessing: Mazal tov on the birth of your grandson ShDB sheyichyeh, as you informed me. May it be His will that his parents raise him to Torah, chuppah, and good deeds with abundance in both material and spiritual matters, and may you see him grow with satisfaction and delight.

In response to your letter: A) Regarding the Maamarim of Admor Maharash that you have but did not find in my list in Sefer HaToldos—perhaps you can inform me of the opening words of each Maamar (as I did in my list)? Then perhaps I can determine if they are those mentioned above in another year; if so, it is only a difference in the time of the Maamar.

B) According to the instruction of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita: On a day when Musaf is recited, a mourner does not lead the prayers even for Minchah or Maariv. However, he does go up for Pesukei DeZimra at Minchah on Erev Shabbat or Erev Rosh Chodesh. The half-Kaddish and Barechu after Mizmor LeDavid Hashem Ro'i etc. on Friday night do not pertain to the mourner; likewise not for Aleinu or Kaddish Yasom.

C) You mention a story from my father-in-law about Admor Maharash and the Rav of Belz (from Riga talks). Perhaps you can provide me with a written account from those talks—everything you remember?

Enclosed is a kuntres for Pesach which was just published; surely you will share it with many others.

I wish you and your entire family and all your acquaintances a kosher and joyous Pesach and immediate true and complete redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe blesses for joyous milestones, encourages precise Torah scholarship by clarifying sources, guides mourners on prayer leadership during special days, and values sharing Torah teachings widely. He also cherishes personal recollections that illuminate chassidic history.