3947 —ברכות עבור שיעורים ב-770 והדרכה לשיעורי נשים

B"H, 10 Kislev, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yochanan Gordon gabbai d'Beit HaKnesset Lubavitch b'Lubavitch

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter on the birthday and yahrzeit of the Mitteler Rebbe, son of the Alter Rebbe, along with its enclosure. I was happy to read at the opening of your letter—and in the language of the Alter Rebbe (Igros Kodesh in its opening)—that one should begin with a blessing to bless and thank Hashem for He is good; as it says—there is no good but Torah, "the Torah of Hashem is perfect," etc.—regarding public Torah study held at the Lubavitch synagogue in Lubavitch.

And a person must speak in the language of his teacher; as stated in the aforementioned Igros Kodesh: gratitude for the past and request for the future—so may Hashem grant and increase strength in their hearts like mighty ones, etc. By way of explanation: as explained in the maamar from Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh HaGeulah by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—may his merit protect us—regarding gevurah (strength), which is an increase of vitality. The proof is brought—from above to below—from vitality that comes from above: "gevurot geshamim," increased vitality within a person, until this also brings about an increase from below to above.

May it be His will that their public learning be directed toward this goal—especially in Pnimiyus HaTorah (the inner dimension of Torah), whose theme is from above to below—that it be with increased vitality. This will bring increased vitality to all participants in the shiur, until it reaches a state of abundance—in quality and also quantity through increasing numbers of participants. Through this, the learning will ascend ever higher while uniting with what is below—practical action in daily life—even on weekdays and in mundane matters.

These days between 10 Kislev and Yom Tov Kislev (especially Yud-Tes Kislev—the day of our redemption and soul's liberation when light and vitality were given to our souls) are auspicious for beginning all these matters successfully. May it be fulfilled as our holy leaders said: "As one sets oneself up, so things go."

Blessings to share good news regarding all these matters; regards to all participants in the shiur. May it be fulfilled for each one of them and their families that by verdict of the Heavenly Court—in every matter of Torah, fear of Heaven, and good character traits—the hand of those connected to our leaders will prevail—in revealed and apparent goodness.

M. Schneersohn

P.S. I was pleased to read in your letter about starting classes with young women—may they live long—and since you have already begun speaking about Chassidus around them and they have shown interest in learning topics from Toras Dach (Chassidic teachings), certainly their heartfelt wishes should be fulfilled for good.

Certainly you will utilize any instructions from my revered father-in-law regarding which maamarim or topics to learn with them. It is understood that even beginning with a kuntres or Maayan applies here; however, it is obvious that studying an entire kuntres would be difficult for them—especially since several days pass between each lesson. Therefore, every class should include a summary or conclusion.

Additionally—you will find much material in Sefer HaMaamarim Yiddish and individual maamarim printed in various kuntreisim. In my opinion, at every class you should also explain some concept "around Chassidus," or stories about tzaddikim. It would be beneficial if someone records what is discussed about "around Chassidus," as it may well be useful elsewhere; many people depend on this merit.

I am enclosing my contribution toward repairing the Sifrei Torah at Beit HaKnesset Lubavitch b'Lubavitch.

May Hashem strengthen your health so you return to full strength—both literally and as explained by the Alter Rebbe (in Kuntres Limud HaChassidus)—and add vigor to your holy work regarding all these matters. May you also share good news regarding your wife's health—may she live long—and may you accomplish all these things with spiritual health which will bring physical health as well.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages vibrant public Torah study with ever-increasing participation and enthusiasm, offers practical advice for teaching young women Chassidus effectively, and sends heartfelt blessings for success and health in both spiritual and material pursuits.