8877 —סיום לימוד עין יעקב, כוח התחלות חדשות, ושלום אמיתי

B"H, 25 Menachem Av 5724.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Chaim Yonah

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a longer journey, I was pleased to receive your letter from Monday, with the good news that soon the communal study of Ein Yaakov will be completed, which takes place in your home. May Hashem help that the completion of Ein Yaakov and also the immediate beginning of a new study should be at an auspicious and successful time in all details, as is customary among Jews—since Minhag Yisrael Torah Hu (the custom of Israel is Torah)—that one immediately begins anew after a completion.

Especially as it is explained in several places about the connection between finishing and starting anew in various ways. One explanation is: Seemingly, how can one truly fulfill the demand for real peace between people whose opinions differ, etc.—a demand so strong that it is said: Lo matza HaKadosh Baruch Hu keli machzik berachah l'Yisrael ela hashalom ("The Holy One Blessed Be He found no vessel to contain blessing for Israel except peace").

The explanation is that this becomes possible through reciting Kriat Shema right at the start of each period (me'et le'et), as in the beginning of Mishnah: Me'eimatai korin et Shema b'Arvit ("From when do we recite Shema in the evening"). The content of Kriat Shema is to crown Hashem as King until one recognizes that Hashem Echad (G‑d is One) in all seven heavens and on earth and also in all four directions of the world. This elevates and subordinates each person's will to that of Hashem Echad; then everything that could divide or differentiate disappears, resulting in true peace. Hashem then gives His fullest blessing, as we say at the end of Shemoneh Esrei: Barecheinu Avinu (l'fi) shekulanu ke'echad ("Bless us our Father [because] we are all as one")—see Tanya ch. 32.

As explained at length in many places in our holy Torah—a Torah of life—and more deeply in its inner dimension; in Gemara this is Aggadah found in Sefer Ein Yaakov, where most secrets of Torah are hidden (see Iggeret HaKodesh by Rabbeinu HaZaken sec. 23).

Blessings for success in all mentioned above, and regards to all participants—may they live—in this most elevated study.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that completing Torah study should be immediately followed by a new beginning, reflecting Jewish tradition. True peace among people comes from recognizing G‑d's unity through Kriat Shema, which unites diverse individuals into harmony and brings abundant blessing.