6897 —המנהג ללמוד מסכת סוטה בימי הספירה והסברו

B"H, 17 Sivan, 5719. Brooklyn.

Havavach iy"a nu"n etc. Avraham Avish Mordechai

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Erev Shabbat Kodesh.

You asked for the reason behind the custom among Anash to study Tractate Sotah during the days of Sefirah. I heard that this was an instruction from my father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, and that this has been practiced for years among Chabad chassidim. Although he did not state the reason for this, it can be explained based on what is explained in many places in both Nigleh (the revealed part of Torah) and Chassidus regarding the connection between the days of Sefirat HaOmer or the Omer offering and the subject of Sotah—up to "u'nektah v'nizra'ah zera" (and she shall be cleared and shall conceive seed), etc.

At an auspicious time you will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, may his merit protect us, in accordance with the content of your letter.

Certainly, in addition to your observance of the three daily study portions—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—you also have set times for learning both Nigleh (the revealed Torah) and Pnimiyut HaTorah (the inner dimension of Torah), which in our generation has been revealed through Chassidus—as is explained in many places as necessary and understood for several reasons.

With blessing for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies that studying Tractate Sotah during Sefirah is a longstanding Chabad custom rooted in instructions from previous leaders. He encourages maintaining regular study schedules in both revealed and inner Torah to deepen spiritual connection during this period.