1137 —הקדמה וברכה לפרסום ליקוטי דינים

B"H, On the eve of Wednesday, Parshas VeHayah Ekev Tishme'un, the twentieth of Menachem Av, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

With pleasure I once accepted the proposal from Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Menachem Zev Halevi, that he should compile a collection of laws and customs relevant to daily life—yet which many do not pay enough attention to. Some people are unaware of the seriousness of these laws and customs, while others do not know about them at all. With great satisfaction at the appearance of this first collection, I write these few lines as an introduction and blessing—a blessing that words coming from the heart of Haraha"ch who compiled and edited it should fulfill the assurance that they enter into the hearts of those whom this collection will reach; that they should bring it into actual practice by observing these laws and customs—each person according to his situation—in both positive commandments and prohibitions. Certainly, this will be greatly aided by the well-chosen excerpts from the talks of my father-in-law, the previous Rebbe zatzal (of blessed memory), from his letters, etc., which Haraha"ch has included.

In several places we have been shown how important it is to be careful in these matters—matters which many people consider trivial. We have been warned that this can lead, G‑d forbid, completely off the path: "Hoy Moshechei HaAvon BeChavlei HaShav" (Woe to those who draw sin with cords of vanity), "Dadesh Bei B'Aqba Velo Chayesh Aleih" (one treads on it with his heel and does not care), and later it becomes as strong as cart ropes; that sin becomes strong for him in this world and in the World to Come.

We have also been warned about the punishment: "Lamah Ira BiYemei Ra" (Why should I fear in days of evil)—because "Avon Akeivai Yesubeni" (the sin at my heels surrounds me), referring to light commandments that people disregard and throw under their heels.

But we have also been assured about the greatness of the reward: "VeHayah Ekev Tishme'un" (And it shall come to pass if you listen)—if you observe even those light commandments that a person treads with his heels—then "Hashem Elokecha will keep for you the covenant and kindness He swore to your fathers; He will love you, bless you, multiply you," etc.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how careful attention to even seemingly minor mitzvos brings great spiritual benefit. By learning about and practicing these laws daily, one merits both protection from harm and abundant blessings from Hashem.