2347 —תפקיד הנשים והנערות בחיזוק בתי ישראל

B"H, 17 Tevet, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Tzvi Rayak

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive word that you participated in the event organized by the Nshei U'Bnos Chabad Association in Paris and delivered words of inspiration to them, which, as you write to me, had an impact on the listeners. Certainly, for someone like yourself there is no need to elaborate on the benefit of this matter, especially when it concerns a Chanukah gathering organized by women—about whom the decree was made, as Rambam writes at the beginning of Hilchos Chanukah and as alluded to in the Gemara by our Sages: "Af hen hayu b'oto hanes" (They too were part of that miracle).

If at all times a woman has been the mainstay of the home—and therefore girls needed to be prepared for this great role—how much more so in our dark generation, when this necessity has increased many times over. Especially since foreign winds are blowing throughout the world and seek to destroy and uproot our eternal structure down to its very foundation.

Certainly, going forward you will also strive in this direction in an appropriate manner, and may Hashem grant you success.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that women and girls are central to building strong Jewish homes. Their preparation for this role is even more crucial today amid challenges to tradition. Continued dedication to this mission brings blessing and success.