1953 —בענין מהות הזמן: נקודה, מקובץ נקודות, וחלוקת זמן שבת

B"H, Chodesh HaGeulah, 5713.

Brooklyn, NY.

Harav HaGaon vavac"h iy"a nu"n chov tzam"s etc. etc. Yosef Blumenfeld

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter—in continuation of what was discussed at the farbrengen—was received. As I mentioned, my intention was regarding the matter of "Yomei d'Mafsiki" as stated by our Sages in Nazir (7a). As we approach the upcoming holidays for us and all Israel for good, I hereby express my blessing for a kosher and joyous festival and for the fulfillment of the anticipated promise: "KeYemei Tzeischa Me'Eretz Mitzrayim Ar'enu Niflaos" (As in the days when you left Egypt I will show you wonders), with our true and complete redemption in his days and in our days through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

With honor and with holiday blessings,
M. Schneerson

Regarding the nature of time—whether it is a single point, a collection of points, compensation to the starting point, etc.—see Tzafnat Paneach by Rogatchover Gaon (new edition 26a; 89a) for brilliant comparisons and insights. As for your desire to distinguish Shabbat time—your proof from Keritot (16a) requires further analysis because there it is the exempted time in the middle that divides. However, note Yoma (81a) and Responsa Tzafnat Paneach vol. II sec. 32 by the above-mentioned author. This is not the place to elaborate. Also see Torah Or, Toldos (18d), which discusses a day that is long even at its beginning.

Summary

The Rebbe explores deep questions about how time is structured in halacha—whether as indivisible points or as an aggregate—and encourages further study using classic sources like Tzafnat Paneach and Torah Or to understand these concepts more deeply.