5155 —הדרכה בתפילין וברכות בר מצוה

B"H, 22 Shevat, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n his work is the work of Heaven Yisrael Rosentzveig

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Monday, in which you ask regarding tefillin and the parshiyot among Anash and Chabad Chassidim. It is well known that it is extremely difficult to convey these matters in letters, as they require a tradition of sages passed from scribe to scribe. Surely in Eretz HaKodesh there are scribes who know the form of the letters according to the tradition from Rabbeinu HaZaken, for even in the form of the letters there are many differences—not only in the shape of certain letters like yud on the batim, etc.

Regarding what you wrote about Tefillin of Shimusha Rabba and Raavad: their order of placement is explained in many places, and some details are noted in the margins. In general, the difference between Shimusha Rabba and Raavad is like that between Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam (except that both Shimusha Rabba and Raavad follow the right hand of the wearer). Therefore, when putting them on, one pairs Shimusha Rabba shel rosh with Rashi shel yad, and Raavad shel rosh with Rabbeinu Tam shel yad. See Hayom Yom, 19 Menachem Av 5703.

As you requested, I will mention all those you wrote about at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal.

Regarding your notification about your son Yitzchak Leib entering mitzvah observance on 26 Shevat coming up—may it be G‑d's will that he accept upon himself the yoke of Torah and mitzvot and grow to be a chassid, G‑d-fearing person, and scholar.

Blessings,

In the name of the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

P.S. You surely know about the three daily study portions that are suitable for everyone: Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—the well-known ones—and at least from now on should be careful to observe them.

Summary

This letter highlights the importance of receiving tefillin traditions directly from expert scribes rather than relying solely on written correspondence. The Rebbe also emphasizes daily Torah study practices and offers heartfelt blessings for a son's Bar Mitzvah milestone.