8625 —כוח הנתינה במסירות נפש ובשמחה בחיים חסידיים

B"H, Lag BaOmer, 5723. Brooklyn, NY. The one hundred fiftieth year since the passing (yahrzeit-hilulah) of our Elder Rebbe.

To all chapters of Agudas Nshei U'Bnos Chabad everywhere, and especially to the participants in the eighth annual convention — may Hashem be upon you for life — Shalom u'Vrachah!

This year's convention of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad will, like all Chabad undertakings this year, surely be marked by the impression of the 150th yahrzeit-hilulah of the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, founder of the Chabad approach, lifestyle, and movement. Especially — considering the important role that Jewish women in general, and Chabad women in particular, play in Jewish life.

In connection with this, as well as with the fact that the convention takes place during the days of Sefirah, I would like to briefly relate a well-known story about one of the Alter Rebbe's first chassidim, Reb Gavriel Nosseh-Chen and his wife Mrs. Chanah Rivkah.

Reb Gavriel was one of the most prominent householders in Vitebsk; however, twenty-five years had passed since his wedding and they had not had children. Then, due to certain persecutions he suffered, he lost his wealth. He therefore felt much distress when a matter arose before the Alter Rebbe regarding pidyon shevuyim (redeeming captives), and he could not participate with the sum that was expected from him.

When his wife learned all this, she sold her pearls and jewelry for which she received the necessary sum; she polished each coin until it gleamed brightly, praying that their own fortune should also shine. She packed up these coins and gave them to her husband to bring to the Alter Rebbe.

Entering into Liozna to see the Rebbe, Reb Gavriel placed the package on the table; at the Rebbe's instruction it was then opened. The coins shone with extraordinary brightness. The Alter Rebbe became thoughtful and said: From all the gold, silver, and copper that Jews gave for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle), nothing shone except for the kiyor v’kano (the washbasin and its stand), which were made from copper mirrors donated by Jewish women with self-sacrifice and joy for use in the Mishkan.

The Rebbe asked: Tell me where you got these coins from. Reb Gavriel had to explain his situation and how his wife Chanah Rivkah bas Beila had raised this money.

The Alter Rebbe then leaned on his hands for some time in deep deveikus (spiritual attachment), then lifted his head and blessed him (and his wife) with children, long life, wealth, and extraordinary charm; he instructed Reb Gavriel to close his business in Vitebsk and go into trading precious stones and diamonds. The Rebbe's blessing was completely fulfilled: Reb Gavriel Nosseh-Chen became wealthy; they were blessed with sons and daughters etc.; he passed away at age 110; his wife outlived him by two years.

When telling this story my father-in-law (the Previous Rebbe) brought up a teaching from the Alter Rebbe: Regarding Sefiras HaOmer (which is preparation for Shavuos — receiving Torah), it says "U'Sfartem Lachem" — "You shall count for yourselves," which also means "You shall make yourselves luminous" (from "sapir," a precious stone).

The lesson from this story — among its many deep ideas — is: Although charity coins are identical in number and value, when given with self-sacrifice and joy those same coins acquire an entirely different value and radiance; they illuminate one's life even in this world — certainly so in the World of Light above. Similarly applies to spiritual charity: every effort to spread Torah and mitzvos when illuminated by chassidus' warmth is done with self-sacrifice and joy; not only does such activity itself meet greater success but it brings a unique merit.

May Hashem grant that each one of you — among all Israel — fulfill "U'Sfartem Lachem" as explained by the Alter Rebbe: making oneself luminous within oneself and around oneself with Torah's light, mitzvos', chassidic conduct even into daily life — then there will be light in every respect both materially and spiritually.

Summary

Giving tzedakah or performing mitzvos with self-sacrifice and joy elevates both action and person far beyond their material value. Acts infused with chassidic warmth bring unique blessings into our lives — illuminating ourselves and our surroundings physically and spiritually.