6246 —אמירת כל מאמר לכה דודי בחתונות ומנהגי לימוד תורה

With the help of Heaven, 15 Iyar, 5718, Brooklyn. Greetings and blessings! After your longest silence, your letter was received on Erev Shabbat Kodesh, and in response:

a) It is correct that in recent years our community has adopted the custom to repeat at weddings the discourse Lecha Dodi printed in the booklet of wedding discourses from 5709. This is based on the words of my father-in-law, the Rebbe (printed in several editions of that booklet), that this discourse includes the teachings of all our Rebbes and leaders beginning with the Alter Rebbe. As he said then, my father-in-law, the Rebbe: this serves as an invitation for them to participate in the wedding. From this it is also understood that there is no reason whatsoever to shorten the discourse or to recite only part of it—especially since within the discourse itself it is not marked which section belongs to which Rebbe. If one shortens or says only part, it is unclear what will be missing thereby—and in any case something will certainly be lacking. In places where they are accustomed to interrupting in the middle of the discourse, it has already been said that this custom should be abolished since it is contrary to the honor of Torah. Even though some justify it so as not to embarrass someone who does not know it by heart, there was already an incident in Poland and then my father-in-law, the Rebbe, ruled that if they insist on keeping this custom, first recite the entire discourse and only then begin again and interrupt as usual.

Surely you will begin learning the necessary laws in advance as preparation for married life; for several obvious reasons this study should be done with a partner.

I was pleased to read in your letter about the positive impression your bride made on everyone who saw her; our Sages have taught: "Anyone who finds favor with people finds favor with Heaven."

With blessings for good news.

P.S. Surely you are keeping up with your known daily Chitas study schedule in addition to your fixed times ^[1] for revealed Torah and Chassidus—especially during these months as preparation for building an everlasting Jewish home; whoever increases in these matters is praiseworthy.

Summary

Reciting the full Lecha Dodi discourse at weddings honors all Chabad leaders' teachings and should not be shortened. Preparing for marriage includes diligent Torah study—ideally with a partner—and maintaining regular learning routines strengthens one's foundation for a lasting Jewish home.