5706 —הכינוס השנתי הראשון של התמימים וכוח האחדות הקהילתית

B"H, Erev Shabbos Kodesh after midday – Parshas Ki Yipalei Mimecha Davar... Vakamta Vaalisa. 5717. Brooklyn.

To all participants in the first annual gathering of the Association of Students of Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos Lubavitch in the United States, may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received your good news regarding the first gathering of the Association of Students of Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos Lubavitch in the United States, and its scheduling for Shabbos Parshas Shoftim v'Shotrim and the days before and after.

The Mishnah in Sanhedrin teaches that a gathering of tzaddikim is beneficial for them and for the world. The verse says: "V'Amech Kulam Tzaddikim" (And your people are all righteous). Even though there are many who are obligated among Israel, as questioned by the Zohar on this verse—nonetheless, every Jew is filled with mitzvos, as our Sages taught. Chassidic teachings explain that a tzaddik is so called because of tzedakah (righteousness), and all mitzvos are called tzedakah, as it is written: "For all Your commandments are righteousness." The essence of tzedakah is to enliven the spirit of those who are lowly—the poor person who has nothing from himself. Similarly, revealing G‑dliness below among those who are lowly—this is making a dwelling place for Him in the lower realms, which is accomplished through mitzvos.

The merit of these tzaddikim—their closeness brings peace to the world and benefit to all creation. The purpose of such a gathering is to consult and assist one another in matters of Torah, avodah (service), and gemilus chassadim (acts of kindness), upon which the world stands. Such gatherings and consultations are a great foundation and essential principle.

As explained by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, in his discourse: "Whoever is small is great," and how communal agreement greatly strengthens matters; when many join together it creates an arousal from below that reaches exceedingly high levels. In the words of Rabbeinu HaZaken: through inclusion and unity there is an influence from a very lofty place—a source that encompasses all levels equally.

Therefore, nothing will be withheld or wondrous from such a gathering; as above, this arousal reaches higher and higher—"Vakamta Vaalisa" (and you shall rise up)—a true ascent without limit—through which one reaches "the place which He will choose," a place of true choice where nothing can hinder.

May it be His will that the resolutions made at this gathering increase Torah and mitzvos in this world—both their revealed and inner aspects—through spreading forth the wellsprings outward. May each one of us with his entire household among all Israel be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year: "For He will choose our inheritance—the pride of Yaakov whom He loved forever."

With blessings for success in practical work,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

This letter highlights how communal gatherings among students strengthen Torah observance, mitzvah fulfillment, and chassidic values. Through unity and mutual support, participants draw down G‑dliness into this world, benefiting themselves and all creation.