Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 17, Letter 6211

Dated: ב׳ אייר תשי״ח — April 22, 1958

To all those participating in the laying of the cornerstone for the building of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad, and to all our Jewish brethren to whom Torah and mitzvos are dear.

Shalom Rav u’Vracha,

This special letter was sent by the Rebbe in honor of the historic laying of the cornerstone for the central building of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. It was not merely a construction project, but the establishment of a fortress of Torah in the Holy Land. The Rebbe therefore sends his heartfelt blessings to all those taking part in this great and joyous mitzvah.

The Rebbe writes that his blessing extends not only to those present at the ceremony, but also to everyone who will assist in the future development and completion of the building. He expresses the hope that each person’s participation should be full and complete—in every sense.

Three Forms of Participation

The Rebbe explains that true participation in a Torah institution must come in three ways:

1. With One’s Wealth

This means contributing generously toward the building and maintenance of the yeshivah. A Torah institution must be built with real support and substantial generosity.

2. With One’s Body

This means personal effort—using one’s time, energy, and strength to help the cause succeed. It includes organizing, encouraging others, raising support, visiting people, and doing whatever practical work is needed.

3. With One’s Soul

This is the deepest level. Sometimes a person feels that helping communal Torah causes will take away from his own private spiritual growth, his Torah study, or his personal schedule of mitzvos. The Rebbe says that one must be prepared to give even this. If necessary, one should temporarily set aside personal advancement in order to help establish public Torah for many people.

Nothing Is Ever Lost

The Rebbe emphasizes that no one loses by supporting Torah. Just as our sages teach regarding charity, “Aser te’aser”—give a tenth so that you will become wealthy—so too with Torah. Time or resources invested in strengthening Torah return with even greater blessing. What appears to be a sacrifice becomes an increase.

Moreover, one who helps create a place of Torah receives a share in all the Torah learned there. This follows the model of Yissachar and Zevulun: those who support Torah become true partners in its reward and merit.

Why This Matters Even More in Eretz Yisrael

The greatness of Torah applies everywhere, yet the Rebbe notes that it is even more significant in the Holy Land, the land upon which Hashem’s eyes rest from the beginning of the year until the end. To establish a center of Torah there carries unique holiness and power.

This is especially true in Kfar Chabad, founded through the vision and sacrifice of the Previous Rebbe. It was created as a place where both dimensions of Torah would flourish together: the revealed teachings of Torah and the inner teachings of Chassidus. There, Torah would be studied with devotion, vitality, and light.

A Fitting Time: Days of Sefirah

The letter was written during the days of Sefiras HaOmer, a period of yearning and preparation to receive the Torah. Just as the Jewish people counted the days from the Exodus until Matan Torah, so too these days are especially suited for strengthening Torah institutions. Laying the cornerstone of a yeshivah during this season was therefore a moment of special merit.

The Broader Vision

The Rebbe urges all involved to inspire greater love of Torah and increase activity in every form of support. By dedicating worldly resources to holy purposes, people elevate material life itself and transform it into a vessel for holiness.

He concludes that such efforts will hasten the true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, when the world will be filled with knowledge of Hashem and humanity will be free to pursue wisdom, Torah, and Divine service.

Lesson of the Letter

A Torah institution is not built only with bricks and mortar. It is built with money, effort, sacrifice, and vision. When a person gives of himself for Torah, nothing is lost. Instead, he gains blessing in this world, a share in eternal Torah, and a role in preparing the world for redemption.