8870 —לימוד תורה ברבים, גלות וגאולה בט' באב נדחה

B"H, Erev Shabbat Kodesh Tisha B'Av (Nidche), 5724.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"m rav pe'alim etc. HaRam"P HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to learn that these days mark the conclusion for your group—those who study Torah in public and in a place of prayer—at the Adas Yaakov synagogue—may Hashem be upon them for life—of Tractate Beitzah, and that you are continuing with the study of Tractate Sukkah. It is arranged so that the siyum will coincide with the first yahrzeit of your father-in-law—may he be well—Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"m, a man of character who was involved in mitzvos and especially matters of the synagogue etc., our teacher Reb David HaLevi of blessed memory. All matters of synagogue and study hall have a special connection to this month, as prophesied by Yechezkel HaKohen: "So says Hashem Elokim: Though I have removed them far among the nations and scattered them among the countries—yet I have been for them a small sanctuary (these are synagogues and study halls) in the countries where they have come."

As we stand in days commemorating those times now—the destruction of our Beis HaMikdash, both the first and second—it is understood from our sages that action is primary, as it says explicitly: "Fear G‑d and keep His commandments for this is all of man." The purpose of this remembrance is to influence practical action. First and foremost within this remembrance is understanding the destruction and its cause—as explained many times in Tanach and by our sages: "Because of our sins we were exiled from our land," "the hand that was sent against Your sanctuary." From this comes the conclusion that weakening or diminishing the cause (our sins) weakens or diminishes the result (our exile, harm to Your sanctuary) and brings closer the redemption—the true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

As taught by Moreh Nevuchim (from his generation until ours) and ruled clearly in his "Yad HaChazakah," only Melech HaMoshiach himself will gather in all Jews from exile. Before this—and as preparation for it—in addition to being "immersed in Torah study and mitzvah observance like his ancestor David," he will "compel all Israel to walk in it [Torah] and strengthen its breaches." Afterwards—and in order—he will "wage G‑d's wars and be victorious over all surrounding nations," then "build the Temple in its place and gather in all Jews from exile."

May it be Hashem's will that each person "wages war against the cause—our sins" through observing Torah and mitzvos, walking in them and strengthening their breaches—and according to the assurance that one who comes to purify himself is assisted—they will succeed. Through this, may we hasten the end of our exile and bring closer Moshiach Tzidkeinu's arrival and our redemption; may we merit fulfillment of the prophecy that these days will be transformed into joy and gladness.

Blessings that very soon we merit true redemption for all Jews from the desert of nations—that is, from exile—for regarding every individual it says: "And you are My sheep, sheep of My pasture," for to Hashem belongs the earth and its fullness; therefore all are considered at home—even those found at Ashtarot Karnayim (a term denoting strength and wealth), who might mistakenly say 'my own power made me successful.' In truth none will be lost; even at Ashtarot Karnayim there is shade from a sukkah which teaches humility—not to let one's heart grow proud saying 'our hands accomplished this,' but rather remembering His wonders—including remembering leaving Egypt—and as it says: 'As in the days when you left Egypt I will show you wonders'—in our imminent redemption.

I mention for good all participants in this learning group; with honor.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that reflecting on destruction must inspire practical improvement in Torah observance. Strengthening mitzvah practice brings us closer to redemption; even those who feel distant can return through humility, learning from every circumstance as we await Moshiach.