8769 —הבאנקעט השנתי של ליידיס אקזילערי ולקח החירות האמיתית

B"H, Eve of Shabbat Kodesh Mevarchim Adar, Brooklyn, NY. Parshas Mishpatim and Parshas Shekalim, 5724.

Annual banquet of the Ladies Auxiliary of Brownsville and East New York for the Lubavitcher Yeshivos Tomchei Temimim.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In connection with this annual banquet, on the upcoming 10th of Adar, I send my wishes and blessings to all helpers and participants.

May the Alm-ghty help that this undertaking be with great success in every respect.

The Torah portion of this Shabbat—Parshas Mishpatim—is a continuation of Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah), as our Sages of blessed memory say about the words 'Ve'eleh HaMishpatim,' that the "vav" is an addition and a continuation. Also, Parshas Tisa—which we read from it this Shabbat as Parshas Shekalim—reminds us of Matan Torah when the Alm-ghty gave us the second Tablets.

At Matan Torah, Jews became truly free by accepting upon themselves to be servants of Hashem—to serve only the Alm-ghty. Therefore, the first matter that Parshas Mishpatim addresses right from its beginning is the matter of an Eved Ivri (a Jewish servant), and how a Jew should not want to be enslaved to another person nor say 'Ahavti es Adoni... Lo Eitzei Chofshi' ("I love my master... I do not wish to go free")—meaning "I love my master (with all worldly comforts)... I do not wish to go out into freedom"—but rather should specifically desire to be free to serve only Hashem.

Therefore, the Torah says that a Jew who wants to remain a servant to another servant must have his ear pierced—the Jewish ear that heard G‑d's command at Mount Sinai: 'Ki Li Bnei Yisrael Avadim' ("For unto Me are the Children of Israel servants")—Jews are My—G‑d's—servants.

A living example of a servant of Hashem is Mordechai HaYehudi, as Megillas Esther tells us: 'U'Mordechai Lo Yichra V'Lo Yishtachaveh' ("And Mordechai would neither bow nor prostrate himself") to Haman and his idolatry.

To raise a "Mordechai people" (Am Mordechai) can only be achieved through a Torah-true education—a chinuch al taharas hakodesh—which is precisely the goal and mission of Lubavitcher Yeshivos Tomchei Temimim, which thank G‑d are being led with great success.

And great is the merit of each and every one who has a share in this.

May Hashem bless you with success so you may continue your good work in an increased measure; and in this merit you will also be blessed in an increased measure in everything you and your families need—both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true freedom comes from serving only Hashem. Supporting Torah education ensures future generations remain steadfast like Mordechai. Those who help these efforts are blessed both materially and spiritually.