4278 —צמיחה רוחנית, ספירת העומר, והעלאת הזולת

B"H, 1st of Iyar, 5716. Brooklyn.

From the desk of Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z Mo"h Shmuel shochet u'Bodek.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of the note from your committee members from Rosh Chodesh Adar. It is surprising that since then no further updates have been received from you; surely this is a sign that all is well with you and your entire family.

May it be His will that you do not settle for this alone but fulfill our Sages' teaching to always ascend in holiness. May you merit the fulfillment of their assurance: "Whoever increases is given more," especially when one is involved in matters of Torah and mitzvos with others—and even more so with those who have nothing of their own. Certainly then, according to G‑d's measure of "measure for measure," even more is added to the one who strives and to his family. For before G‑d, every individual is considered as having nothing of their own.

These days are auspicious times, as discussed at one of the gatherings—a special quality to the days of the month of Ziv (Iyar), where each day has its own unique mitzvah compared to other months: the mitzvah of counting the Omer. The essence of this mitzvah is that from an animal state (the Omer offering—barley, animal food) we rise to a human level (the two loaves on Shavuos—wheat, human food), as explained in the discourses on Sefirat HaOmer in Likkutei Torah, etc.

With blessings for good news in all mentioned matters—from you and from every member of Anash in your holy community.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual growth must be constant—never settling but always ascending in holiness. By helping others grow in Torah and mitzvos, especially those lacking on their own, we ourselves are elevated. The days of Iyar and Sefirat HaOmer uniquely empower this process.