7412 —הדרכה לנוסעים לאוהל ולהפצת חסידות

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Elul, the month of mercy, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY. The two-hundredth year since the passing (yahrzeit) of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov z"l.

To the organizing committee, Kfar Chabad, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the pan (petitionary note), which will be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal.

I am writing with a suggestion, preceded by this introduction: leaving Eretz HaKodesh for abroad is only permitted in special cases—one of which is to pray at the graves of tzaddikim (see Sdei Chemed, Hilchot Asifat Dinim at its beginning; and Pe'at HaSadeh there). Especially so regarding a tzaddik who was one's leader: one who learned his Torah and follows his guidance—or at least accepts upon himself to do so from now on.

It is well known what our Rebbeim have said about hiskashrus (bonding), which is achieved through learning his Torah and fulfilling his directives and enactments. It is also well known how much my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—leader of Israel—devoted himself to Chassidus in general and its broadest dissemination to all circles with love and in their own "language." Therefore, every participant in this journey should begin these activities in practice before actually traveling: specifically—increasing study of Chassidus, especially learning the teachings of the one whose resting place they visit.

Regarding women: whatever applies above also applies to them or even especially so (see Hilchot Talmud Torah by Rabbeinu HaZaken end ch. 1: women are obligated to learn those laws relevant to them etc., all positive commandments not time-bound etc.; in their days the sage would teach... in language women understand etc.). Among such mitzvot are first and foremost six constant mitzvot that apply always without interruption throughout one's life: (a) belief in Hashem; (b) not believing in anything else; (c) His unity; (d) loving Him; (e) fearing Him; (f) not straying after one's heart or eyes. These are especially attained through study—which today means learning Chassidus—as ruled by Rambam Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah ch. 2 at its start. This is also supported by practical precedent.

Each person should also set aside—without a vow—a few coins each weekday morning for tzedakah to institutions associated with the one whose resting place they visit, strengthening those institutions.

Before traveling they should visit at least once among Jews who are not yet fully connected in all matters—in other words, who are still "outside" even if only subtly—and during their visit speak words of inspiration generally and teachings from the one whose resting place they visit specifically. Whoever adds more in any of these areas is praiseworthy.

During the trip itself they should publicly study the three daily lessons—Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya—as established by him. Also a lesson from his Torah wherever most participants desire; certainly all travelers will join together with the staff—all being Jews.

May it be G‑d's will that this journey take place at an auspicious and successful time in every detail—and most importantly—that it increase spreading Judaism generally and spreading the wellsprings outward specifically. May they use their time here as our Sages say—as it ought to be done—with joy and gladness of heart. May we soon merit fulfillment of "with return and tranquility"—that we all return with peace and tranquility to our holy land through Moshiach Tzidkeinu very soon.

I await good news regarding all these matters and sign with blessings for a good inscription and sealing for a sweet new year materially and spiritually together—for each individual sheyichyeh.

Menachem Schneersohn

P.S.: This letter also serves as a response to personal letters from several participants sheyichyu in this journey. Certainly each one will be informed accordingly.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that visiting tzaddikim's graves must be accompanied by increased Torah study—especially Chassidus—charity, outreach even before traveling, public study during travel, and inspiring others. Women have a unique role through mitzvah observance and learning relevant halachot.