8836 —התפקיד המרכזי של נשים יהודיות בזמנים של נדודים וגאולה

B"H, Eve of Shabbat Kodesh for the portion "Al Pi Hashem Yachanu" (By G‑d's command they encamped), Brooklyn, NY. "And by G‑d's command they traveled," etc., 5724, to the annual convention of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad — may they live. Shalom u'Vrachah!

Among the highlights of this week's Torah portion, Behaaloscha, is the description of how the Jews wandered in the desert. "At G‑d's command they rested, and at G‑d's command they traveled; they kept G‑d's protection at G‑d's command through Moshe" (Behaaloscha 9:23). For all their journeys, the Ark of the Covenant went ahead to seek out a resting place for them (10:33).

The holy Torah — which is eternal and whose instructions are always valid everywhere and at all times — emphasizes that only by following the Aron HaKodesh, the holy Torah itself, could Jews enjoy rest and be protected in that terrifying desert full of dangerous creatures.

This has always been true throughout our people's long exile history and through all our wanderings until we reach true rest and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

As in all important moments of Jewish life, so too — and especially — in times of wandering, the Jewish woman occupies a central place. This is indicated at the end of this same portion, where the Torah tells that the people waited for Miriam and did not move from their place without her. When the people are on their way, it is not enough for Moshe and Aharon to go along; Miriam must also go along. Without Miriam, they do not travel!

Our Sages explain that Miriam earned this honor — that the entire nation with the Aron HaKodesh and with Clouds of Glory waited for her — because she waited for and saved Moshe Rabbeinu when he was placed in a basket on the river.

We find ourselves at a time when without active help and cooperation from Jewish women to strengthen and spread Torah and mitzvos in daily life, our people cannot advance toward "the rest and inheritance" that Hashem has promised us.

In all areas of Jewish life — especially in education according to holiness — Jewish women and daughters must fulfill the mission that Divine Providence has placed upon them. This is the duty of all Jewish women and girls, especially those of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad who have merited to stand under the illumination and inspiration of Toras Chabad and its leaders.

And my prayer is that this convention will fulfill all expectations and succeed in practically accomplishing what needs to be achieved by the convention as a whole and by each member of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad individually.

With blessings for outstanding success in both personal and communal matters,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that throughout history, true progress for our people comes only by following Torah guidance. In every era—especially times of transition—the active participation of Jewish women is essential for spiritual growth, education, and redemption.