563 —שלושים יום אחרי ההסתלקות, אחריות אנ"ש, ועבודת יום הכיפורים

B"H, the thirtieth day after the passing of our holy teacher and master, may his merit protect us.

Haraha"g vaharaha"ch havavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Alter Hilowitz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 20th of Shevat and thank you for your words of comfort. It is still difficult to write and respond to letters in general, and especially to write regarding the histalkus (passing), for who can comfort us and with what can we be consoled? But who among us knows the hidden ways of Divine mercy? What is revealed to us is that every Jew is a "doer of daylight," and according to the tzt"z's explanation (brought in the Simchas Torah 5696 sichah), their work is to bring light. Especially great is the responsibility upon Anash families, who are called upon before all others and have great power in fulfilling their mission and role, for ancestral merit assists them.

Enclosed is the sichah from Yud-Tes Kislev this year—the last sichah before the histalkus—which was delivered publicly.

With blessing and regards,
M. Schneerson

Regarding what you noted in your previous letter about why it is not mentioned in the order of Yom Kippur service that kohanim recite Birkat Kohanim on Yom Kippur, nor are the Divine Names in Birkat Kohanim counted among those pronounced by the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur—in my opinion, it is simply because there was no difference from other days (and all kohanim in the Mikdash recited Birkat Kohanim on Yom Kippur, unlike Minchat Chavitin). For this reason as well, there is also no mention of reciting Shema or prayer etc. as found in chapter 85 of Tamid. There is not enough time to elaborate.

Summary

The Rebbe reflects on loss but urges Anash to fulfill their mission with added light and responsibility. He clarifies details about Yom Kippur service practices, emphasizing continuity with tradition even amidst change.