8540 —חשיבות מחנה ישראל ודרך כפולה של יעקב

B"H, 7th of Marcheshvan, 5723. Brooklyn.

To the esteemed organizers of the fundraising campaign for "Machane Yisrael," both one-time and monthly, may Hashem be upon you and grant you life—Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter from the 28th of Tishrei, and afterwards also the list of donors for Tishrei, may they all be well. At an auspicious time I will mention them at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory.

The greatness of this matter—based on the significance of "Machane Yisrael"—certainly requires no explanation or lengthy elaboration. It is founded by my father-in-law, the Rebbe, leader of our generation, as is well known and publicized both in general and in detail regarding its activities—planned out even during his lifetime in this world, both orally and in writing, and later also in print.

In your letter at the beginning you declared and continue to declare "Vayaakov halach ledarko" ("And Yaakov went on his way"). It can be said that Yaakov refers to Machane Yisrael. As explained elsewhere regarding how he is alluded to in Scripture as Bnei Yisrael (the children of Israel), may it be G‑d's will that what was mentioned should be in a manner of 'halach' (went), as explained in Chassidus about the true meaning of walking—that it is from strength to strength and beyond all limitation—and that this should be 'ledarko' (on his way), in both extremes: beginning with an awakening from above (it'aruta d'le'eila), which is the path he was commanded to follow; and through work from below (it'aruta d'letata), which is his own path—he becomes master over his way and its matters. As explained previously elsewhere, these are two interpretations at the end of the verse "and angels of G‑d met him," leading to a unification of both extremes—as hinted by the word "machanayim" (camps), both within one word. For when Yaakov goes on his way during weekdays throughout the year—we draw down from Rosh Hashanah, from the place of true choice where specifically there He chooses our heritage—the pride of Yaakov.

With blessings for success in this activity and that it should be with joy and gladness of heart.

M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe highlights that supporting Machane Yisrael is rooted in its founding by the Previous Rebbe and carries enduring significance. He encourages combining divine inspiration with personal effort—like Yaakov's journey—so that communal work advances with joy and purpose.