2250 —קבלת עול תורה כפליטה ג-טית עם שמחה

B"H, 20th of Tishrei, 5714.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a honored and elevated one involved in communal needs, energetic etc. Moreinu HaRav Yehuda Leib Shleifer

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to see you at the farbrengen on Shabbat Bereishit. I am certain that the spiritual pleasure you experienced will accompany you throughout the year. Since the farbrengen continued even after you had to leave, I want to share here a point from the words that were later heard.

All the festivals of the month of Tishrei are, as is well known, general in nature and are meant to influence the entire year. The influence of Simchat Torah that we must take with us for the whole year is: Simchat Torah means rejoicing with the Torah every day of the year.

The Torah is not an abstract wisdom; although it has that aspect too, its main purpose is—as its name implies from 'hora'ah' (instruction)—and although one must accept upon oneself the yoke of Torah as a higher and G‑dly duty, it must also be done with joy.

And when one acts with joy, this itself is already a reward. But since the Almighty is the ultimate good, He therefore also grants bodily health, success in business, and nachas from children. As the Torah says: 'Im Bechukotai Telechu'—that you should labor in Torah—then 'Venatnah Haaretz Yevulah' (the land will yield its produce), all good blessings come both materially and spiritually.

This applies to every Jew. Of course, someone who has merited—and whom Hashem has helped—to have an influence and effect on his environment by helping to maintain an institution of pure Torah—one whose foundation is to be an unceasing source of Torah for the broader world—such a person must certainly remember and fulfill his mission and merit not only on Simchat Torah but every day of the year.

May Hashem grant you success in your work for Torah; may it be with success and joy. And knowing how much your wife helps you in all your endeavors, she will surely be an aid to you in your undertaking for Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim and be a partner in all G‑dly blessings.

With blessings for success in all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that accepting Torah as a Divine obligation should go hand-in-hand with serving Hashem joyfully. This combination brings both spiritual fulfillment and material blessings throughout the year.