Encouragement to Strengthen Taharas HaMishpacha Observance

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5428
Baruch Hashem, the 6th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to a letter from Rosh Chodesh Iyar together with its enclosure. He states that, as requested, he will mention at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, with all the titles, Mrs. [name omitted], that she should merit long life, a speedy recovery, and children—zera chaya v’kayama.

The Rebbe then adds that the writer will surely find the proper words to explain to her, and also to her husband, the great importance of strengthening their observance of Taharas Hamishpachah—the laws of Family Purity—as instructed by our holy Torah.

The Rebbe emphasizes that all mitzvos are precious and vital at all times. However, in a situation where a person especially needs blessing and healing from Hashem, it becomes even more important to strengthen oneself in Torah and mitzvos. Through greater dedication to the mitzvos, one opens additional channels for Divine blessing and recovery.

The Rebbe notes that there is no need to elaborate at length on how to explain these matters, since the importance of these mitzvos has already been discussed in many places. Yet he adds one central point.

The verse states: Ha’adam yireh la’einayim, v’Hashem yireh la’levav—a person sees only with the eyes, but Hashem sees the heart. Human beings can observe only what is visible externally. We do not know what is truly taking place in another person’s heart or mind. Only Hashem knows the inner response and hidden feelings of a soul.

Therefore, the Rebbe explains, even when one is uncertain whether his words have made an impression, that uncertainty is only from a human perspective. Hashem, who sees the heart, knows the effect of sincere words.

The Rebbe then cites the verse, Ani yeshenah v’libi er—“I am asleep, but my heart is awake.” Our sages explain that this refers to the state of exile. At times, because of hardship, confusion, and spiritual concealment, a person may appear distant or spiritually asleep. Yet even then, the inner Jewish heart remains awake to Hashem, to Torah, and to mitzvos.

This means that one should never despair of reaching another Jew. Even when the outer response seems uncertain, the heart remains open. One must simply find the proper words and speak with sincerity and feeling.

As our sages teach, words that come from the heart enter the heart. Since this truth applies to all Jews, there is a strong basis to trust that heartfelt encouragement will have an effect.

The Rebbe’s message is both practical and uplifting: speak with warmth, trust in the holiness of every Jewish heart, and know that sincere efforts to strengthen another in Torah and mitzvos are never in vain.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news, for healing, and for revealed blessings in all the above.