8976 —המשמעות הייחודית של עשר ותפקיד הנשים בחב"ד

B"H, Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 5725.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the central annual convention of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad — may they be well.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

This year's convention, which marks a ten-year period of activity, has more than the usual significance. It should express a special turning point in your activities, according to the unique meaning and instruction of the number "ten." The number "ten" concludes the order of single digits and begins the order of tens. This is a transition to a higher level, not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. From ten and onward begins a new order that is not only greater in number but incomparably higher in level.

This is one explanation for why the number ten has special significance in Torah and therefore also in Jewish life. This is expressed in that a matter of holiness and certain prayers (such as Barechu, Kaddish, Kedushah, etc.) can only take place when there is a minyan (ten Jews), as our Sages learn from the verse "Venikdashti besoch Bnei Yisrael" ("And I shall be sanctified among the children of Israel") found in this week's Torah portion (Vayikra 22:32). For although every Jew as an individual is precious and holy, when ten Jews gather together they form a community that reaches a much higher level of holiness; through this gathering even each individual is elevated to an entirely higher level.

One of the special meanings of "ten" is that it is the number of soul powers. As explained in holy books—especially in Tanya by the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad—every person has ten inner faculties connected with his nefesh (spirit). These are the three intellectual faculties: Chochmah (wisdom), Binah (understanding), Daas (knowledge)—Chabad—and seven emotional traits (inclinations and feelings). The foundation of Chabad's entire approach is to develop these intellectual faculties so they shape one's emotions—especially love and awe of Hashem—so that these qualities are expressed in daily life in all aspects.

The Previous Rebbe and all Chabad leaders have repeatedly emphasized the important role women play in realizing Chabad teachings in daily life. The woman—as akeres habayis (foundation of the home), builder of the Jewish household—determines to a great extent its spirit and conduct, and also has significant influence—directly and indirectly—on her surroundings. Torah gives her guidance (and with it also strength) on how to accomplish this: by properly utilizing her ten soul powers. As it says: "Chochmos banta beisa chatzeva amudeha shivah" (Mishlei 9:1) — With wisdom (which divides into three) she builds her house; she sets up its seven pillars (corresponding to various emotional traits).

May Hashem help that—as you now enter your second decade of activities connected with Torah and mitzvos—every group of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad and each member be elevated to a higher level in all aforementioned areas, and be blessed with complete success both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that reaching ten years marks a transformative stage both for groups like Nshei U'Bnos Chabad and for individuals developing their soul powers. Women are encouraged to use their unique strengths to uplift their families and communities according to Torah's guidance.