1029 —אחריות על חינוך התורה לפני חג השבועות

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Sivan, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"m etc. Yosef Yitzchak

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Enclosed is the booklet for the upcoming Shavuot holiday. Its purpose is to merit the public in an appropriate manner. Whoever is able should do so, as the merit of the many depends on him; therefore, he should also assist in this very effort to succeed in his influence.

It is known that during the festivals and holidays each year, the matters connected to them are awakened—on Pesach, the Exodus from Egypt; on Lag BaOmer, the revelation of the inner dimension of Torah, etc.—and these are especially opportune times for drawing down and internalizing these matters in particular. These days of Zman Matan Torateinu (the time of the giving of our Torah) are auspicious days for the "chosen nation" to receive its "segulah," which is the Torah, with joy and inwardness.

However, as G‑d said to Israel: "Bring Me good guarantors that you will keep the Torah and I will give it to you." The only guarantors He accepted were the children. When those receiving the Torah said: "Our children will guarantee us (that we will educate them in the way of Torah)," G‑d said: "Indeed, they are good guarantors; through them I will give it to you." Just as it was then, so too now: Each one of us, as we prepare ourselves for Zman Matan Torateinu approaching soon, must do all he can now in educating boys and girls in the way of Torah—and resolve and take upon himself to strive even more strongly and energetically in this after receiving the Torah.

All Israel are responsible for one another. The above-mentioned effort—if it is only in educating one's own sons and daughters—is not sufficient at all. Each person can certainly influence—at least to some degree—the education of Jewish boys and girls in his immediate surroundings, and sometimes even those at a distance or even in another country.

If everyone is obligated to strengthen and expand proper education where he already is, and through his efforts establish it where it is not yet recognized—how much more so must he rise up with all his might and fight against any action or matter that could sever a boy or girl being educated in Torah from this education; that could distance them from the living G‑d's Torah—and certainly if it could bring them to heresy, G‑d forbid.

It is well known what our Sages say: Anything for which Israel gave their lives has endured with them.

Blessings for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness,
M. Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that before Shavuot we must take responsibility not only for our own children's Torah education but also help others around us. Our collective efforts ensure a strong future rooted in Torah values for all Jewish children.