3577 —לימוד משנה להעלאת נשמה של נפטר

B"H, 23 Sivan, 5715. Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Moshe Schlesinger

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was shocked to hear of the passing of your brother Akiva Yosef, of blessed memory. May his soul be bound in the bond of life. May it be G-d's will that from now on you will only receive good news—good that is visible and revealed.

Regarding what you wrote about some rectification for the soul mentioned above: it is well known that Mishnah shares the same letters as neshamah (soul). Establish a regular study session in Mishnayos in order, so that you complete all six orders of Mishnah by the upcoming Pesach Sheini. The special quality of studying Mishnah is already well known—even for souls still in bodies.

As told about the Tzemach Tzedek (quoted in the fourth part of the Memoirs of Imprisonment), who said to Havavac"h iy"a etc. Reb Abba, of blessed memory, Persson: Study Mishnah by heart; Mishnah is neshamah (soul). By reciting Mishnah by heart, the soul illuminates the body—then the body becomes brighter. Even though your study is from a book, this prepares you for learning by heart and thus also prepares you for what is stated in the Tzemach Tzedek's saying. Surely you will also memorize some Mishnayos from each order, and may Hashem grant you success in all these matters.

Blessings,

In the name of the Lubavitcher Rebbe shlita
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that studying Mishnah elevates a departed soul and brings spiritual light even to those still living. Establishing regular study and striving to memorize Mishnayos benefits both body and soul.