1289 —חינוך ומסירת נפש בסף של מצוות

B"H, 12 Kislev, 5712.

Brooklyn, NY.

Harav Hagaon Havach Iy"a Num Chov Osek b'tzt"z Ish Rav Pealim etc. Moreinu Harav Levi Yitzchak Rabinowitz, Chief Rabbi.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I am writing to you regarding a current matter: We see with our own eyes the Divine spiritual success that rests, thank G‑d, upon the Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Yeshivos since their founding many years ago until now. These yeshivos have succeeded, with G‑d's help, in producing thousands of students—may they increase—distinguished in Torah and awe of Heaven. A significant portion have served and continue to serve honorably in sacred positions within important Jewish communities, and most of the students and graduates of Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch stand at the forefront of spreading Torah and fear of Heaven and strengthening Jewish life in their communities—often to the point of mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice).

However, despite this spiritual success, the material situation of the central Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos at this time is difficult and severe; debts have risen greatly and threaten the very existence of this great institution.

In connection with this, recently Rabbi Yosef Halevi Weinberg was sent as a shadar (emissary) to Africa on behalf of the central Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos. I hereby request that you assist him in every possible way so that he may succeed in his mission to bring much-needed support to this great institution.

The greatness of the mitzvah to support pure Torah surely needs no explanation for someone like yourself. May it be G‑d's will that speedily in our days we will see the elevation of Torah and Israel until Moshiach comes and "the earth will be filled with knowledge of Hashem" (Isaiah 11:9), amen.

With blessing and esteem.

P.S. Regarding this week's parsha and mesiras nefesh: It is known there are two opinions on the source for a thirteen-year-old's obligation in mitzvos. (1) Rashi (Nazir 29b) says that at age thirteen one is called "ish" (man), as it says "Vayikchu shnei bnei Yaakov Shimon v'Levi ish charbo" (And they took—each man his sword). This is also found in Machzor Vitri for Avos chapter end; "ish" indicates maturity—as it says "Mi samcha l'ish" (Who made you a man), "vechazakta vehayita l'ish", etc. (see Rashi and Rabbeinu Bachya there; not as Shemos Rabbah says). (2) The Rosh (Teshuvos beginning Klal 16) holds it is part of shiurim halacha l'Moshe miSinai.

The practical difference between these opinions relates to a Ben Noach: according to the first opinion even a Ben Noach at thirteen is obligated in his mitzvos; not so according to the second opinion (see Rambam Hilchos Melachim ch.9 halacha 10; ch.10 halacha 2; Teshuvos Chatam Sofer Yoreh Deah siman 317). According to the second opinion it is a Torah law; but according to the first opinion it is natural—that by age thirteen one typically reaches intellectual maturity.

A moral lesson can be hinted here: The proof for mitzvah obligation from "Vayikchu... ish"—a verse whose basis is reason—comes with its own counterbalance: Do not say that fulfilling Torah and mitzvos based on reason alone suffices; therefore they point out what Yaakov's sons did: "Vayikchu ish charbo"—immediately upon becoming obligated in mitzvos they began work involving mesiras nefesh specifically.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true commitment to Torah begins not only with understanding but also with readiness for mesiras nefesh—self-sacrifice—right from one's first steps into mitzvah observance. Supporting Torah institutions ensures this legacy continues for future generations.