8942 —האסיפה השנתית של חברת גמילות חסדים שומרי שבת

B"H, Sunday, Parshas Mishpatim, 5725.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shomrei Shabbat Gemilus Chasadim Society in your city — may Hashem be upon you and grant you life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received the news about your annual meeting for the benefit of the Gemach fund, and may it be G‑d's will that it be successful in every detail.

It is known that in our holy Torah even the order is itself Torah and instruction. The section of laws (Mishpatim) is placed next to the section about the altar to teach that a Sanhedrin should be placed by the Temple. This teaches us that even matters between man and his fellow — which are almost all the laws of Parshas Mishpatim — must be adjacent to and founded upon the Temple and holiness. This is also evident from the connection of the Ten Commandments, which begin with "Anochi Hashem Elokecha" (I am Hashem your G‑d) and end with "Lo Tachmod" (You shall not covet), showing that only then is conduct between people truly complete.

And likewise in reverse: "D'alach sanei l'chavrach lo ta'avid" (What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow) — this is the entire Torah, and all else is commentary; go learn it. May it be G‑d's will that also your Gemach activities will clearly show they are founded on "Anochi Hashem Elokecha" (in singular form) for each individual Jew; because of this all are aligned with one Father for all, with true love and brotherhood among them. All this brings completeness and beauty to Gemach activities and reconciliation which must accompany them together.

The reward for all those involved in Gemilus Chasadim is explained explicitly throughout our Torah of kindness, given by a merciful and gracious G‑d who commanded us to walk in His ways. Charity specifically is truly a mitzvah of Hashem Himself — what Hashem Himself constantly does.

With blessings for success in your holy work,

M. Schneersohn

Enclosed is my participation, G‑d willing, in the Gemach fund.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that acts of kindness must be rooted in holiness and unity among Jews. By basing interpersonal mitzvos on faith in G‑d and true brotherhood, our efforts become complete and bring blessing both spiritually and materially.