8349 —מעבר מקומות, ספק, ותכלית העושר הגשמי

B"H, 4th of Adar II, 5722. Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z business with faith Mohe Yaakov Katz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 2nd of Adar I with the enclosed matter. At an auspicious time, your mother will be mentioned for blessing at the holy resting place of the Rebbe Rayatz of righteous memory according to the content of your writing. And as you decide, may it be for good in a revealed and apparent way.

In general, regarding matters such as moving from one place to another at such an age—if there is any doubt—it is better to refrain (shev v'al ta'aseh). This week’s Torah portion is Terumah, where we begin reading about the building of the Mishkan (as our Sages say: Mikdash is also called Mishkan). Seemingly, since this concerns Hashem, the soul and its service—why were all thirteen or fifteen materials needed to establish the Mishkan? One could have learned Torah and prayed with great intention even in a regular house or courtyard. Similarly with sacrifices—they could have been offered on a private altar (bamah), a place in a field or city without surrounding buildings.

However, from this parsha we see that Hashem wants us to give gold, silver, copper, etc., and from these make vessels for Him; there we are to pray (as prayer replaces sacrifices), and likewise study Torah—which is the Holy of Holies [where there was nothing more than the Ark with Tablets and Torah scroll]. From this comes a lesson for all times: Hashem must give—and gives—Jews gold and silver so they can fulfill His inner will: that specifically in the lowest realms there should be a dwelling for Him.

With blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that material wealth is granted by G‑d so Jews can use it to fulfill His deeper purpose—making a dwelling for Him in this world through mitzvos. When facing uncertainty about major life changes like moving locations at an advanced age, caution is advised.