8694 —הגנת ערכי התורה וחינוך יהודי בלי פשרות

B"H, 10 MarCheshvan, 5724.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your message and invitation to the national convention scheduled to open with G‑d's help this Thursday of this week, I wish to express my blessings for the success of the convention. The main success is that it should yield fruits and fruits of fruits in practical actions and achievements, for action is primary.

It is well known how our Rebbe, the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch—this year marking the 150th anniversary of his passing—emphasized that one must seek—and if one seeks, one finds—guidance in the weekly Torah portion for current events. In this week's portion, which coincides with the opening day of your convention, we read about the birth of Yitzchak Avinu, which was above nature. Immediately after that, we read about the need to take natural measures to save Yitzchak from negative influences. In Torah, even the juxtaposition of topics is itself a teaching.

There is no greater closeness than soul and body being intertwined as one; so too in a Jew, soul and body are united. Yet unfortunately in every generation there are those who rise against us—some against our bodies and some against our souls; both are evil, though there is a fundamental difference: as long as the body exists there remains the possibility of teshuvah. However, danger to our souls is greater than danger to our bodies because it is not always so apparent to physical eyes—as is clear and obvious.

Moreover, those who threaten our physical existence usually come from outside; but those who threaten our souls and spiritual values come both from within and without—and danger from within is more severe. We see this in "the deeds of our fathers are a sign for their children," as told in the parsha and Midrash regarding Avraham Avinu's trials due to Nimrod's schemes, Og, Avimelech etc., but even greater was the trial with sending away Yishmael and Hagar—here the threat came from within Avraham's own household.

Therefore—even though Yitzchak's birth was above nature—when it came to his upbringing and conduct one could not rely on miracles; it was necessary to take strong natural measures—even measures contrary to Avraham Avinu's own trait of chesed (kindness), even though this trait was his main greatness and essence—until Hashem told him: "Let it not be bad in your eyes..." because (specifically through this) "through Yitzchak will your offspring be called."

From here we learn that one must not be deterred by those who claim that for peace or outward unity we must remain silent or restrain ourselves—not defending or certainly not going on the offensive against destroyers. This is not so; on the contrary! Now is a time for action—to defend and wage Torah's battle—the battle of truth which allows no compromise.

It is not enough just to defend; ultimately we must also rescue lost souls and place them on the path of truth—the path of Torah and mitzvos in daily life—and most importantly: strengthen and expand education for Jewish boys and girls in purity and holiness—true traditional education without compromise.

May it be G‑d's will that you succeed in strengthening yourselves in Torah's battle—a defensive battle as well as an offensive one as above—even though all must be done according to Torah's ways which are pleasant—in order to save Jewish souls everywhere—for each soul is an entire world.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that defending Torah values requires unwavering action without compromise—even when challenged from within. True success lies in strengthening authentic Jewish education and saving every Jewish soul through steadfast commitment to truth.