4013 —על תפיסה ציבורית, מוניטין הישיבה, ומשמעות יום הולדת

B"H, 5 Teves, 5716. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding what you wrote about how the matter of the well-known melody came about ^[1], it is already explained in many places that when there is concern for appearances or what people might hear, all the explanations given by those involved are altered somewhat, and perhaps even that is insufficient.

As for your statement that you did not write it yourself, I too wrote in my letter regarding the Yeshiva... and not about any particular individual. For if something is not as it should be, it is not attributed to a specific person but rather to the Yeshiva named such and founded by so-and-so. This should be understood.

Regarding your notification about your birthday: you were mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), on Rosh Chodesh. The body benefits from the body as our Sages say; this also has an interpretation relating to the future era—currently, the body receives vitality from the soul, whereas in the future even the soul will receive its vitality from the body. This is also reflected in 'Vatilakach Esther—Knesses Yisrael—to the King—the King of the world—in the tenth month which is Teves.'

Certainly you observed birthday customs as practiced by Anash in recent times. May it be G‑d's will that this be a year of success for you in good that is both revealed and hidden, for you and your family.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that public actions reflect on institutions and their founders rather than individuals alone. He emphasizes marking birthdays with spiritual reflection and blessings for success, highlighting their deeper meaning in personal growth and connection to holiness.