7133 —ספרי בר מצוה, הפצת תורה, ומורשת הבעל שם טוב

Shalom u'Vrachah!

By the Grace of G‑d, 5th Chanukah Candle, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Rabbi S. Sassoon, 15 Sollershott East, Letchworth, Herts.

Sholom uBrocho! I take this opportunity to express my gratification at the two books which you published in honor of your sons' Yitzchak and David's Bar Mitzvah—the Moshav Zekenim and the exegesis of Rabbi Abraham, son of the Rambam. May G‑d grant that since their entering under the yoke of the mitzvot was associated with the dissemination of Torat Rishonim—Rishonim k'Malachim—may your sons merit to walk in their ways to practice and spread Torah and mitzvot with joy and gladness of heart.

I cannot forgo this occasion without mentioning that this year is the 200th anniversary of the histalkut-hilula (passing and celebration) of the Baal Shem Tov, who emphasized disseminating Torah and Penimiut haTorah among the widest possible circles—as stated in Iggeret HaKodesh of the Baal HaTanya regarding "Dissemination of the Fountains Abroad." Moreover, this emphasis is coupled with Ahavat Yisrael—with vitality and animation. And as with all remembrances among Jews, its underlying significance is practical application and lasting inspiration from the teachings of the Baal HaYovel.

With best wishes for an inspiring Chanukah, and with blessing.

P.S. As is my custom in such cases—for extra fondness—I noted some comments at least briefly as time allowed: Moshav Zekenim: At its beginning on page alef—there is a section starting "Asa"; it seems it should read "Ve'asa" (and so it is in Bereishit Rabbah end ch. 1 etc.). The answer "VeYesh Lomar"—is found in Riva's commentary here. On another matter: In Riva's commentary cited on page nun-vav it should say Yaakov instead of Leah; this is also found in Riva's printed commentary. In the index Riva is cited on page kuf-nun-chet but I did not find it there; it's surprising it's not listed in Rashi's index even though it's mentioned elsewhere [as "Rashi" (for example: Rechav, shaa alef, tav bet) or "Rash" (bet, samech bet, kuf yud bet, kuf nun chet)], perhaps because there are many references. Commentary by Rabbi Avraham ben HaRambam: At its beginning note alef—so too in Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer end ch. tet; note tet—to note from Bereishit Rabbah end ch. zayin; inside: "A living being that has a soul"—to note from Rashi on verse kaf and kaf-dalet; see also Zohar Chadash Bereishit Midrash HaNe'elam ch. dalet; Rambam Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah ch. dalet halachot chet-tet.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how publishing Torah works for a Bar Mitzvah links one's family to a tradition of spreading Torah with joy—a legacy exemplified by the Baal Shem Tov—and encourages practical application alongside scholarly pursuit.