8994 —עידוד לתלמידי ישיבה בחג הסיום במאנטרעאל

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5725.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the students of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch for the Siyum celebration, Montreal. May Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to the news about the upcoming Siyum celebration on Wednesday, Parshas Shelach, may it be with success. May it be Hashem's will that each of those completing should internalize that this "completion" is truly a preparation for beginning a higher level in Torah study—both Nigleh and Chassidus—with increasing diligence and persistence, and with enhanced observance of mitzvos, together with influencing their surroundings.

Based on the teaching of the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, that in each week's Torah portion there are practical instructions for that week's events—especially such an exceptional event as a Siyum—it is timely to reflect on the verse: "Vetapchem... Veheveisi Osam Veyad'u Es HaAretz" ("Your children... I will bring them and they will know the land") which is connected to Wednesday of Parshas Shelach. The holy Torah—which is eternal and whose lessons are eternal—teaches us here that children can and must strive for even greater achievements than their own parents, no matter how high their parents' level may be; because in all matters of goodness and holiness there is always potential to rise higher.

And when children also remember that through their achievements they bring merit to their parents as well, they exert themselves in an entirely different manner. This idea—according to our Sages' expression: "Yafeh Koach Haben Mikkoach HaAv" (the strength of the son surpasses that of the father)—is also reflected in the inner point of this month, the month of Matan Torah. As is known, the Torah was given only after the parents guaranteed: "Our children are our guarantors." In the merit of the children, even the parents received the holy Torah—the Torah of life—about which it is said: "And you shall live by them."

May Hashem bless each one of those completing to fulfill his mission and purpose to the fullest extent possible—as illuminated by the light of Toras HaChassidus, which is the Torah of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov and our Rebbeim from generation to generation.

Blessings for outstanding success both materially and spiritually together—and for good tidings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every siyum marks not an end but a new beginning toward higher spiritual growth. Children can surpass even their parents in holiness and achievement; through their efforts they uplift themselves and bring merit to previous generations.