5456 —ברכות ועידוד להמשך הפצת היהדות

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15 — Letter #5456
B”H, 16 Iyar, 5717 (May 15, 1957)
Brooklyn, New York

Shalom U’Vracha,

The Rebbe addresses this letter to Harav Shlomo Atziag, the rabbi and spiritual leader of the community of Debdou in Morocco.

The Rebbe begins by acknowledging receipt of the rabbi’s precious letter dated the 9th day of the month of Ziv, referring to the month of Iyar by its Torah name associated with radiance and shining. The Rebbe writes that at an auspicious time he will mention the rabbi and the contents of his request at the holy resting place of the Frierdiker Rebbe.

The Rebbe then expresses a profound idea regarding the continuing role of a true Jewish shepherd and leader. Just as the Frierdiker Rebbe stood during his physical lifetime and devoted himself to the welfare of the Jewish people through prayer, guidance, and self-sacrifice, so too after his passing he continues to stand before Hashem in the heavens and arouse great heavenly mercy for all that the Jewish people require.

The Rebbe emphasizes that a true shepherd of Israel continues caring for his flock even after departing from this physical world, constantly interceding and praying on behalf of Hashem’s children.

The Rebbe also writes that he will mention the rabbi’s sister, Mrs. Rifka, for improvement in her health and for all that she requires.

The Rebbe continues by praising the rabbi’s efforts in strengthening and spreading Yiddishkeit wherever possible, particularly in the distinguished community of Debdou. The Rebbe notes that Debdou possesses a renowned and honored reputation throughout the Jewish world because of the many righteous and holy individuals from previous generations who are buried there.

The presence and merit of these tzaddikim, the Rebbe explains, serve as a spiritual source of assistance and blessing for those who continue the sacred work of strengthening Torah and Judaism in that place.

The Rebbe blesses the rabbi that the merit of the many and the holiness associated with the community should stand by him and help fulfill all the requests of his heart for good.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings and with the well-known expression of the Frierdiker Rebbe concerning the approaching Yom Tov of Shavuos: that all should merit to receive the Torah “with joy and with inwardness” — b’simcha u’v’pnimiyus.