463 —שכר על השתתפות בחלוקת הש"ס והוראות הלכתיות על שליחים

B"H, 10 Adar, 5709.

Haraha"ch vaharaha"g havavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Mehor"m Hakohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letters from the 10th and 26th of Shevat were received, and enclosed is a kuntres just now published; without doubt you will merit to benefit the public with it. We tried here to buy for you the "Kav V'Naki," but it is not available at the booksellers.

Regarding my precision about the reward for each participant in the division of Shas: it is not only that each one has a share in all of Shas (for obviously learning Maseches Berachos alone is not comparable to learning it as part of a joint study of all of Shas—as explained, then there is also a light that surpasses all others, as Yichaveh Da'as chapter 12), but rather his reward is as if he learned all of Shas. The proof is that on Shabbos each person is obligated even if there is only one lesson—that is, each one is responsible for everything.

What you wrote and asked me some time ago about why they did not wish to be lenient—including the tzt"z—regarding matters of an agent for receiving in several details, and you request my father's ruling: from my father I did not hear anything about this. Nor do I clearly recall his conduct in this matter. But in general, since that time there have been leniencies in several aspects due to increased dispersion of exiles and difficult times spiritually as well. In such cases one should clarify with Anash rabbis who surely have practical rulings from after the First World War. The sages worked diligently for the benefit of Jewish women.

With wishes for a joyous and happy Purim,
M. Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that participating in communal Torah study brings merit as if one studied all of Shas. He also notes that halachic authorities have become more lenient regarding agents due to changing times and advises consulting contemporary rabbinic guidance.