6123 - A New Synagogue as a Source of Joy, Prayer, and Torah

The Rebbe writes to the congregants of the Adas Israel synagogue in Manchester, expressing his happiness upon receiving the report that the congregation has settled into its new building at a good and auspicious time.

Since this letter is written during the period between Purim and Pesach, the Rebbe notes that this time of year is associated with joy and redemption. Purim represents great joy and Pesach represents redemption, and each contains elements of the other. The Rebbe blesses the congregation that their service of Hashem—particularly through prayer—should be filled with joy.

The Rebbe explains that prayer itself represents a form of redemption. As explained in Chassidus, when a person prays and connects to Hashem, they transcend their personal limitations and experience a form of freedom by attaching themselves to the Infinite.

The Rebbe expresses the hope that the synagogue will function not only as a Beis HaKnesses, a place of prayer, but also as a Beis HaMedrash, a place of Torah study. He encourages the congregation to establish regular study sessions in Torah and Chassidus not only on Shabbos and Yom Tov but also several times during the week. In this way, the holiness of Torah will illuminate weekday life as well.

The Rebbe then elaborates on a concept mentioned on Purim: the verse in the Megillah that states, “ורבים מעמי הארץ מתיהדים”—many among the nations of the land became Jewish. Beyond its literal meaning, the Rebbe explains that it also carries an inner lesson for every Jew.

Every person possesses a soul within a physical body. Because of this, elements associated with the material world—such as eating, drinking, business, and physical needs—can resemble the behavior of the nations of the world. The deeper meaning of “ורבים מעמי הארץ מתיהדים” is that even these natural and physical aspects of life should become elevated and aligned with holiness.

A Jew must be distinguished not only when studying Torah, praying, or performing mitzvos, but also when engaged in everyday activities. Business dealings must be conducted honestly according to Torah law, without harming another person’s livelihood or speaking negatively about competitors. Eating and drinking must also be done in accordance with Torah, not only with kosher food but with the proper measure and intention.

All of this reflects the teaching “בכל דרכיך דעהו”—to know Hashem in all one’s ways, as explained in the Rambam and in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 231.

The Rebbe then describes the proper order of a Jewish day. A person begins the day with blessings and prayer at home, then joins the community for prayer with a minyan in the synagogue. After prayer there should be a period of Torah study. Only afterward does a person proceed to their daily worldly activities, carrying the influence of Torah into business and all other matters, as discussed in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim Simanim 155–156.

Therefore, the Rebbe explains, a synagogue must be structured in a way that its influence illuminates the conduct of the entire day.

The Rebbe concludes with the hope that very soon this new synagogue—called a Mikdash Me’at, a “small sanctuary”—will help lead all Jews to the ultimate redemption, when we will merit to go to the Third Beis HaMikdash with the coming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu. He closes with blessings for all good.