4112 —עידוד בהתועדות הילולא דיום י' שבט

B"H, 14 Shevat, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yehuda Leibush Stern

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It was pleasant for me to learn, through the vavac"h iy"a nu"n, a man of character and energy, Moreinu HaRav Rafael Wilshansky, about the content of the words of inspiration that you delivered at the farbrengen on the day of the hilula of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit shield us), leader of Israel.

It is explained in many places about the satisfaction brought to the soul of the one whose hilula is commemorated by such actions (see Rashi, Yevamos 122a), especially when it concerns a leader of Israel who left behind his spiritual life—his influence and work among Israel. The effect of a tzaddik is for life for every living soul bound to him with strong cords of great and everlasting love (as stated by our master, the Alter Rebbe, in Iggeres HaKodesh beginning of section 27), a strong connection as there it says: "d'machmei li v'achim" (Shabbos 153a). This is particularly so when words of his Torah are shared, as his soul was uniquely united with them (as explained in Tanya beginning chapter 5).

May it be G‑d's will that the merit of the one whose hilula is commemorated protect each one of us among all Israel, increasing Divine assistance in fulfilling our mission as stated in Mishnah: to serve our Creator.

With honor and blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how sharing words of Torah and inspiration at a tzaddik’s yahrzeit brings satisfaction to their soul and strengthens our connection. He encourages continued dedication to our mission and invokes blessings for increased help from Above.