2641 —על חשיבות קבלת מצה מאפיית הרבי

B"H, 8 Iyar, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moharanan Nisan Neminov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from 2 Iyar, and thank you for the good news that the students' exam showed they are learning quite well, and certainly also in matters of awe of Heaven... May Hashem grant them success so that through an opening as small as the eye of a needle from below, an opening as wide as a hall will be opened from Above—even on a higher level it is still called an opening like a hall...

Certainly it is unnecessary to remind you of the absolute necessity to begin early with energy so that students will come to learn during vacation days, and perhaps even before then. The same applies regarding the students of Beis Rivkah—if you can encourage them in this matter, surely you will do so, even though I have also written to them directly. Do not take this matter lightly, for aside from the well-known saying of the Baal Shem Tov that for one good deed—whether physical or spiritual—for one person it is worth a soul descending below for seventy or eighty years (and the depth of this is explained at length by our master the Alter Rebbe in Tanya at the end of chapter 25: "and this unity Above is eternal forever and ever"), certainly if one puts forth proper effort, an important portion of those who come for vacation will continue afterwards in Torah and mitzvah ways—and some will even continue their studies within Tomchei Temimim. I await good news about all these matters—especially this one.

I must restrain myself but cannot help expressing my great astonishment and wonder: It is understood from what is brought in many places in Chassidus—especially regarding Moshe Rabbeinu's question "From where shall I have meat?" (Bamidbar 11:13)—for this was not at his level at all; nevertheless, even though his argument was strong (as proven by "Gather for Me seventy men..."), still, even the influence of meat came through him (though there was an intermediary). From this we understand that all influences to those connected and Chassidim must be connected in some way with their leader. Therefore, since our generation merited that my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden is its leader and shepherd—all matters must be connected with him in some way. How much more so should this be among Anash and Temimim and their families—and especially regarding matters connected with Torah and mitzvos; particularly general matters; and specifically those involving faith—as it says: "They believed in Hashem and in Moshe His servant," and as stated in Mechilta: Whoever believes in a faithful shepherd is as if he believes in He Who spoke and created the world.

Therefore my astonishment grew when I learned that specifically regarding Matzah—the food of faith—some among Anash chose to receive it from elsewhere at a time when it was possible to receive it through the office established by my revered father-in-law, whose righteous deeds endure forever; thus even now it remains his office.

Certainly there are various explanations for this—perhaps even strong ones: maybe it was more expensive; maybe they were not baked as well; maybe there was some discord between that seller and Anash; or as others said—it was only for their families but not themselves (as if one could distinguish between faith for adults versus children—especially regarding Pesach which represents "katnus Abba," likened to an infant eating grain foods). Yet despite all these explanations—it still amazes me. Is it worthwhile to introduce yet another aspect of connection with my revered father-in-law? Even if only out of doubt concerning matters which themselves are not free from doubt—to receive shmurah matzah—the food of faith—from another place?

Since I do not wish to specify who acted as above, I am writing these words to you because surely you and those influenced by you took shmurah specifically from the bakery associated with the office. Therefore it will be easier for you to explain these things at gatherings—as Hashem grants you success. Surely you also know in France the saying of my revered father-in-law: "Our inferior quality is better than their superior quality." May Hashem merit us all to draw down Pesach influences throughout the year openly—in daily life.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every detail—even where we obtain our matzah—should strengthen our connection with our leader. Actions tied directly to Chabad institutions reinforce faith and unity among Chassidim; seemingly small choices can have lasting spiritual impact.