5574 —חיזוק פעולות הנשים והדרכה לחגיגת בר מצוה

B"H, 4th of Tammuz, 5717, Brooklyn.

Harav vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Aryeh Leib Lipsker

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh, in which you write about the weakening of Nshei Chabad activities in your esteemed community. Enclosed here is a copy of my general letter to the Nshei U'Bnos Chabad gathering, which will surely provide clear guidance as needed for your environment. Since it is necessary not only to maintain the work done until now but also to expand it, certainly the opportunities for this have been provided. Obviously, one should take advantage of the upcoming festive days of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz by emphasizing the relationship of the Baal HaSimchah, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden zichrono tzaddik livrachah zechuso yagen aleinu (of blessed memory), to the most exalted role of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad.

Regarding what you wrote about the seudas mitzvah (festive meal), you should clarify if there is a local custom in such matters; if not, then it should be held at its proper time—that is, on the night of 8 Menachem Av—and if that is not possible for any reason, then on the following Shabbat.

May it be G‑d's will that your son who has reached Bar Mitzvah age will grow from thirteen for mitzvos to fifteen for Gemara study and so forth; may he and his wife derive much true nachas—authentic Jewish and chassidic satisfaction—from him and from all their children.

With blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages strengthening and expanding women's activities within Nshei Chabad and gives practical advice regarding Bar Mitzvah celebrations—emphasizing both adherence to custom and utilizing auspicious times for spiritual growth.