8606 —תפקיד הנשים היהודיות בגאולה ובחינוך

B"H, 7 Adar, 5723.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the students of the Beis Rivka Seminary — may G‑d be with you and grant you life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received regards through a member of the administration about the progress of the seminary, and I hope that this progress will continue at an ever-increasing pace, as our Sages of blessed memory instructed — "ma'alin bakodesh" (one must always ascend in holiness).

And on this day, the birthday of Moshe Rabbeinu, it is certainly appropriate to reflect that his birth, salvation, and education — the redeemer of Israel — came about due to the self-sacrifice of two Jewish women: his mother Yocheved and his sister Miriam.

At a time when Pharaoh's decrees reached the peak of oppression and even caused despair and withdrawal among even the greatest leaders of that generation, nevertheless these two women — mother and daughter, "the Hebrew midwives" — did not lose heart. On the contrary, they continued their work with true self-sacrifice to give life to the children. In the depths of exile they raised a generation destined for redemption.

Not only did they inspire other women with their spirit and courage, but also men; so much so that through them came Israel's redeemer who would take the Jewish people from bondage to redemption.

The same applies in these last generations of this bitter exile — especially in our own generation. The same role, responsibility, and merit that befell women during the first exile now belongs to women in this final exile, as my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (may his merit protect us), often emphasized both in writing and orally.

In this auspicious year — marking three jubilees since the passing of our master Rabbi Schneur Zalman (the Alter Rebbe), author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch and founder of Chabad's approach and way of life — it is also fitting to recall and be impressed by the great influence his mother Rebbetzin Rivka had on his upbringing, as described at length in my father-in-law's Sefer HaZikaronos (Book of Memoirs).

In accordance with his trait to speak and act — for action is primary — my father-in-law did not suffice with advocacy alone but established a network of schools and seminaries named "Beis Rivka" in our Holy Land and throughout the diaspora to educate Jewish girls in the spirit of Yocheved and Miriam.

Therefore I sincerely hope that seminary students will recognize their great responsibility and privilege, using all their abilities to absorb this spirit — a spirit of knowledge and awe of G‑d which the seminary seeks to impart.

Since these students are destined to become teachers and guides in Israel — mothers to children and heads of households — every increase in their education multiplies many times over among their future students and families they will establish with honor and glory. Every effort toward this goal is worthwhile.

May Hashem send His blessing to each one for success in diligent study and proper conduct. May it be fulfilled for each one: "Our sister! May you become thousands upon tens of thousands," etc.

Blessings for a joyous Purim holiday; may you continue this inspiration throughout all days of the year. Awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Jewish women's dedication has always been central to redemption. By following Yocheved's and Miriam's example through education and self-sacrifice, today's women can shape future generations with strength, faith, and leadership.