On Preserving Uncommon Textual Variants with Purpose

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5433
Baruch Hashem, the 7th of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Addressed to Rabbi Alter Meir. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to a transcript of one of his talks that had been prepared for publication. In that talk, the Rebbe stated that the Jewish people in Egypt were distinguished from the Egyptians not only through their names, language, and clothing, but also through the purity of the food they ate.

Rabbi Alter Meir, while editing the talk, was unable to locate a commonly known source for the inclusion of food among these distinguishing qualities. Since the standard Midrashic version usually mentions only three points—names, garments, and language—he adjusted the text accordingly and removed the reference to food.

The Rebbe responds with surprise and gently rebukes this approach. He explains that when one encounters an uncommon version of a teaching, the proper assumption should be that it rests upon an authentic source. A speaker would not intentionally choose an unusual wording that invites scrutiny unless there were valid basis for it.

The Rebbe adds that the more significant question is not merely where such a version appears, but why it was chosen. Often, an uncommon wording is selected because it expresses a specific lesson or emphasis that the more familiar version does not convey. By replacing it with the standard text, the editor may unintentionally remove the very point the speaker intended to highlight.

The Rebbe then explains why he specifically chose the version that includes food. In those years, there were serious and painful struggles surrounding kashrus in the Land of Israel. He therefore wished to emphasize that purity in food has been one of the defining marks of Jewish identity from the earliest stages of our history, already in Egypt.

The Rebbe cites the source for this version as the Lekach Tov on Parshas Tavo, noting that it includes the additional distinction of food.

He adds that although one does not dwell on what has already passed, if there is a practical way to correct the published text and restore the original wording, it would be worthwhile. Doing so would better communicate the intended message.

The Rebbe concludes with a prayer for the true and complete redemption. He cites the verse, Hen am levadad yishkon—“Behold, a nation that shall dwell alone”—and explains that the perfection of the Messianic era depends upon our conduct during exile. By remaining distinct and faithful in every area of life—what we eat, how we dress, the language we speak, and the names we bear—we prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach.

The message of the letter is profound and timeless: details in Torah language matter deeply, authentic tradition must be preserved with care, and Jewish distinctiveness in daily life is itself a force that hastens redemption.