8583 —עידוד לצמיחת הישיבה ולימודים מרבינו הזקן

B"H, 25 Teves, 5723.

Brooklyn, NY.

The administration of the Kiryat Gat Yeshiva affiliated with Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim—may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Thank you very much for the good news about the yeshiva's progress and development. My hope is that, as our holy Torah instructs us to always ascend in holiness, you will continue to increase your strength and energy to further accelerate its growth. Great is the merit of each and every person who participates in supporting and nurturing it; may they be blessed measure for measure (and many times over) with G‑d's attribute, both materially and spiritually together.

Since we are coming from the auspicious day of 24 Teves—the yahrzeit of our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch—this year marking 150 years since his passing, I wish to emphasize on this occasion that the Alter Rebbe was a living example—even in his private life (if one can say so)—of everything he taught and innovated in his Torah, even before he became revealed as a leader and Nasi in Israel.

Regarding our subject, three main points should be noted: helping others—which is generally the pillar of charity; spreading Torah—both revealed Torah and its inner dimension; and the central bar that connects these two matters: education according to Torah in purity and holiness. In this way both Torah dissemination and charity come together—spiritual charity given to students and literal charity supporting those who support Torah. In these core areas he was an extraordinary living example, as is known from stories told by my father-in-law the Rebbe—the one whose yahrzeit falls on Yud Shevat—according to family tradition: even before his marriage, the Alter Rebbe stipulated that he could use his dowry as he wished; immediately after marrying he dedicated it as a fund for assistance and interest-free loans to Jews for livelihood purposes—especially those who began working in agriculture at his suggestion. This is true charity.

Regarding spreading Torah—it is well known that he engaged in teaching Torah to many people: both great scholars and simple folk, caring for the education of Jewish boys and girls. (It also appears that he originally intended to begin Likkutei Amarim—the Tanya—with a section called "Chinuch Katan," but for hidden reasons this was printed as part two of his book.)

Of course, his greatness is wondrously unique—who among us can compare? But everyone must be inspired by his deeds to follow in his footsteps with their utmost ability.

The yeshiva serves as a channel and vessel to fulfill all these matters in actual deed; through this—as the Alter Rebbe writes in Torah Or at the beginning of Parshas Bereishis—charity elevates a nation: it encompasses all blessings from Hashem needed by each person and their families—from soul to body.

Summary

The letter encourages ongoing growth in yeshiva activities by drawing inspiration from the Alter Rebbe’s personal example—emphasizing charity, Torah dissemination, and pure education—and teaches that supporting such efforts brings abundant blessings both materially and spiritually.