8691 —העברת ירושה רוחנית וחשיבות החינוך היהודי

B"H, Thursday, Parshas Sechar'cha Harbeh Me'od, 5724.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the congregation of Adas Yeshurun, lovers and supporters of Torah and mitzvah — may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As in previous years, so too this year — and specifically tonight — a gathering was held of the activists of the yeshivah as an opening and introduction to the upcoming annual campaign for Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, on the upcoming 22nd of Kislev.

On this occasion I focused on the weekly Torah portion, in accordance with the teaching of the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch — this year marking 150 years since his passing — that "a Jew must live with the times," meaning according to the lessons from the weekly parsha.

I wish to emphasize here one of the points addressed: When Hashem said to Avraham Avinu 'Sechar'cha Harbeh Me'od' ("Your reward is very great"), Avraham responded by questioning how he could accept such reward if he was childless and his heir would be Eliezer. At that moment, Avraham greatly praised Eliezer as his household manager who led his battles and spread his (Avraham's) Torah, as our Sages note regarding "ben meshek beisi..."

It seems puzzling: Why did Avraham express dissatisfaction that his servant Eliezer would be his heir while simultaneously praising him so highly?

This is explained by understanding that although Eliezer truly possessed great qualities, Avraham desired that his heir be specifically his own son; otherwise, the continuation and perpetuation of all that Avraham embodied could not be assured.

This underscores that a person's true reward is when all their achievements and deeds in life are passed on and continued by their children and grandchildren; only then are these accomplishments perfected and attain true lasting value.

It is a sacred duty for every Jewish man and woman to ensure that Avraham Avinu's great spiritual legacy is transmitted and continued through Jewish children.

Every day, at the start of the day in the morning and again at night at day's end, we recite in Kriyas Shema: 'Veshinantam Levanecha.' This means that beginning each day a Jew must remember G‑d's command to provide pure holy education for their children and students (Sifrei, Va'eschanan), and at day's end one must give an accounting for how this obligation was fulfilled.

Only a few weeks remain until the annual dinner for Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch. For many years now, Lubavitcher yeshivos and students have fulfilled 'Veshinantam Levanecha' with great mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) throughout all parts of the world.

It is hoped that both yeshivah activists and lovers of Torah and mitzvah in general will also demonstrate mesirus nefesh — which in this case means simply mesirus haratzon (dedication of will), using these remaining weeks to strengthen their efforts for this upcoming annual campaign, which is one of the main pillars supporting the central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch.

In this merit each participant will be privileged to see fulfilled G‑d's promise 'Sechar'cha Harbeh Me'od,' especially in its primary aspect — to have true Jewish nachas from one's own children and grandchildren, may they live long lives filled with good days both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that our greatest achievement is ensuring our spiritual values are inherited by our children. By prioritizing authentic Jewish education daily, we guarantee our legacy endures through future generations with lasting meaning.