6540 —ברכות לשנה החדשה והדרכה מפרשת השבוע

B"H, 6 Marcheshvan, 5719. Brooklyn.

Blessings and peace!

I was pleased to receive the news about the first gathering in this new year, may it be good for us and all Israel.

May Hashem Yisbarach help that this beginning should be at an auspicious time and continue with success in your most important work throughout the entire year,

and according to the demands of our holy Torah, a Torah of life, in a manner of "ma'alin bakodesh" (ascending in holiness), increasing in your work in every aspect.

For this is also the sign of a living thing—growing and ascending.

And may Hashem Yisbarach help that your work should proceed without difficulties and be accomplished with good health and good spirits for each member of the group together with her entire family—may they live.

Following the instruction of Rabbeinu HaZaken that one must live with the times—with the weekly Torah portion—

I will conclude with the theme of this week's parsha: the blessing that Hashem Yisbarach gave to Avraham Avinu and through him to his children and descendants, Jews wherever they may be:

"And I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing" (Bereishis 12:2),

and as our Rabbis of blessed memory explain the meaning of "and you shall be a blessing": to draw near those who are distant, to purify them and to bring them to our Father in Heaven (Bereishis Rabbah 39:11).

And it is self-understood also according to the essential and plain meaning of the verse—to be blessed in all that one needs, materially and spiritually.

With blessings for good news in all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages ongoing growth in holy work, linking it to both personal well-being and communal upliftment. Drawing inspiration from Avraham's blessings, he teaches that each person can become a source of blessing by elevating themselves and others spiritually.