8823 —על הפצת דיני טהרת המשפחה וחיזוק היסודות

B"H, 23 Iyar, 5724. Brooklyn.

HaRaha"g vavac"h iy"a Rav Pe'alim u'Ba'al Middos HaRaN Talushkin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It was with pleasure that I received your recently published third edition of your book 'Taharas Mayim.' May it be G‑d's will that this edition too achieves its goal: to establish and spread the matter of the purity of Jewish daughters, one of the foundations of the Jewish home in general, and each individual's home in particular.

Since a foundation is defined by its very name as that upon which the existence of a house is built, it is understood that any strengthening or reinforcement of the foundation should be increased as much as possible in all such matters.

We have been assured by our Sages: "One who comes to purify," and it is known from the precision of Rabbeinu HaZaken, "to purify others as well," he is assisted. This is clearly evident especially in our era, when householders—and especially young people—accept every instruction for extra stringency in this matter with enthusiasm, all the more so regarding details that are foundational in law.

If you will say otherwise, even within this very matter it has been emphasized: both regarding impurity—which applies even in minute amounts (and according to Rabbi Zeira's stringency, which is a decided halachic ruling to be strict)—and likewise regarding purity—even a single hair can prevent fulfillment of the entire matter.

As we stand during the days of Sefirah—as our Sages explain regarding this counting: "U'Sfartem Lachem" (You shall count for yourselves), it reflects spiritually "U'Safrah Lah Shiva Yamim" (She shall count for herself seven days)—may it be G‑d's will that soon will be fulfilled the prophecy that this counting will bring about "Ve'Achar Tit'har" (and afterwards she shall be purified) and "V'Zarakti Aleichem Mayim Tehorim U'Thartem" (I will sprinkle pure water upon you and you shall be purified) with the true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

With honor and blessings for long days and good years, and to see good fruit from your toil—the toil in Torah that leads to practical halachah—and with proper health.

According to what was said above at the end of this letter—it is appropriate to explain the connection between requesting "May it be Your will...that the Beis HaMikdash be rebuilt..." during Sefirah—even according to those who say that even nowadays it is a Torah obligation.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how strengthening family purity strengthens every Jewish home. Even small details matter greatly. Our efforts are supported from Above, especially today when people are receptive. The period of Sefirah connects these efforts with hopes for redemption and spiritual purification.