6669 —המשימה של תומכי תמימים וכוח התמיכה בישיבות

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Shevat, 5719.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the participants in the 91st annual dinner of Merkaz HaYeshivos "Tomchei Temimim" Lubavitch — may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

This year's dinner — on the 2nd of Shevat — takes place near two important days in this month that have special significance for yeshivos in general and for Tomchei Temimim yeshivos in particular.

On the first day of Shevat, the Torah (Devarim 1:3) tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu began to say Sefer Devarim — Mishneh Torah — to the Jews. Mishneh Torah had special significance also as preparation for the Jews before their entry into Eretz Yisrael. Leaving a place where they had no material worries for years, where all their needs for food, clothing, and shelter were G‑dly provided (through the manna, well, clouds of glory, etc.), and before entering a land and a way of life where they would need to plow, sow, reap, and engage in all other worldly matters — they needed special spiritual strengths and fortifications so that in the material world they would not only not become coarse but on the contrary: they would bring holiness into it, illuminate and elevate their material surroundings; they would transform materiality into spirituality through Torah and avodah (service), tzedakah (charity), and acts of kindness.

This is also — especially in recent generations — the mission of yeshivos. Not as some think that the main goal is to prepare rabbis, shochtim (ritual slaughterers), or other religious functionaries; rather, the main purpose is to prepare "ordinary" Jews so that before they go out into the world and become householders or businessmen etc., they should first be permeated with Torah and fear of Heaven. Later, when in the world, they should uplift their entire environment by influencing all Jews around them with love of Hashem, love of Torah, and love of Israel in daily life.

The tenth day of Shevat is the yahrzeit (anniversary) of my revered father-in-law Admor (the Previous Rebbe), who was director of the first Lubavitcher yeshiva (which was founded by his father Admor Maharash in Lubavitch 26 years earlier), which thanks to him also flourished in America 91 years ago. Also in Tomchei Temimim yeshivos in America my revered father-in-law Admor set as their goal: along with raising students great in revealed Torah and Chassidus — their main task should be raising students with self-sacrifice for love of Hashem, love of Torah, and love of Israel — specifically through practical deeds. He succeeded at this as seen among Temimim throughout all corners of the earth.

In view of this day — Yud Shevat — the hilula (yahrzeit) day of the founder of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch in America, each one will surely awaken within themselves inner strengths to support Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch to the greatest extent. Through this one will merit G‑d's blessings which the Baal HaHilula arouses abundant mercy to draw down upon everyone who participates in supporting and expanding these holy institutions he founded: them, their sons and daughters, and all that is theirs may they live long.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that yeshivos exist not just to train religious leaders but to instill every Jew with Torah values so they can uplift their surroundings. Supporting these institutions brings immense blessing to all involved.