8989 —התפקיד הייחודי והכוח של נשים יהודיות בקבלת התורה

B"H, Isru Chag HaShavuos, Time of the Giving of Our Torah, 5725. Brooklyn, NY.

To the students of the vocational school in Kfar Chabad—may you live! Shalom u'Vrachah!

In due time, and with great pleasure, I received regards from you through Mrs. Zlateh Althaus, who wrote to me about your success in your studies and also sent me your beautiful handiwork.

May Hashem bless each one of you and grant you success to go from strength to strength in your studies and your handiwork.

As we arrive at the time of the Giving of Our Torah, you surely know that when Hashem came to give the Torah to His people Israel, He first instructed that He be approached by the women and only afterward by the men. This means that it was in the merit of the women that even the men were able to receive the Torah and mitzvos. Of course, this increases the responsibility placed upon Jewish women and girls.

But it is unnecessary to emphasize that together with this responsibility comes also the strength and ability to fulfill this role completely—and all that is needed is willpower; as we are assured: "One who comes to purify is assisted."

With blessings for outstanding success and good news,

In the name of His Holiness, our Rebbe shlita
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Jewish women have a unique merit and responsibility in receiving and transmitting Torah. With this responsibility comes G‑d-given strength; all that is needed is sincere desire and effort.