8767 —האסיפה השנתית, השקלים והכלאים, והשפעת גמילות חסדים ברוחניות

B"H, Tuesday, Parsha and section Im Kesef Talveh, 5724.

Brooklyn NY.

Chevra Gemilus Chasadim Shomrei Shabbos Hashem Aleihen Yechyu.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter with its enclosure, in which you inform me about the annual assembly on Motzaei Shabbat Mevarchim Rosh Chodesh Adar.

According to the instruction of our Sages in their Mishnah: "On the first of Adar they announce about the shekalim and about kilayim (forbidden mixtures)," it is seemingly not understood what connects these two matters—yet both are announced and proclaimed on the same day.

This can be explained—based on the commentators who discuss reasons for mitzvos—regarding the prohibition of kilayim: by mixing species one changes the laws of nature and its ways that the Creator established—that grass, herbs, and fruit trees should each be according to its kind specifically. Accordingly, they also announce about shekalim: that communal offerings must come from a new donation specifically; one year should not be mixed with another.

In fact, the Mishnah (and even its introduction is Torah) precedes the announcement about shekalim before that of kilayim—even though seemingly kilayim should come first (so as not to plant forbidden mixtures in between), and its prohibition applies all year and everyone is warned about it—unlike shekalim, which can even be given late since donations are also accepted for future collections.

From this it is understood: for there to be proper conduct in the world, it begins with—and depends on—the conduct of Bnei Yisrael in these matters; from spirituality it extends into physicality. Therefore, after Beis Din brings into practice a halachah from Torah and sends messengers throughout all cities of Israel to announce that people should bring their shekalim (since years must not be mixed regarding offerings and spiritual matters), this extends also to seeds (plant life) in the land (the inanimate)—that they too must remain according to their kind specifically.

Similarly with the mitzvah of Gemilus Chasadim—which is a great virtue in tzedakah and equal to all offerings—when Bnei Yisrael perform it with a pleasant countenance, then from fulfilling this mitzvah there flows down below everything a person needs: children, life—even sustenance (bread—plant life)—and even fulfillment of the promise "tithe so that you will become wealthy" literally—in silver and gold (inanimate), measure for measure—in abundance from the King of kings. All this brings benefit.

With blessings for success in your work as above and with joy and gladness of heart.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that aligning our actions—especially through joyful acts of Gemilus Chasadim—with Torah principles brings harmony between spiritual intentions and material outcomes. The unity between Shekalim and Kilayim reflects how spiritual order shapes physical reality.