9088 —הדרכה בשאלות הלכתיות, מנהגי משפחה, והוצאת ספרי תורה

B"H, 11 Shevat 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h...

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from... May it be G‑d's will that you share good news in its content. We have just returned from the tenth of Shevat, the yahrzeit of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden. At his holy resting place, you will be mentioned. In the words of the one whose yahrzeit it is: "Giborei Yisrael (mighty ones of Israel), defenders of the land—even when they return their souls to their Father in Heaven—when they complete their mission (see Midrash Rabbah Bereishis ch.1), not only do they not separate from their flock, but they also humble themselves before the footstool of the exalted throne to stand before the glory of G‑d on high to protect Am Yeshurun (see Midrash Rabbah Bereishis ch.44:5), to plead for mercy and kindness from the Father for His son, His people and His inheritance."

With blessing,
M. Schneersohn

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Regarding your questions about participating in management etc.—I have already written previously and as appropriate in private.

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Shulchan Aruch Admor HaZaken; volume two was received in its time—thank you very much.

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Regarding your writing about publishing your chiddushim on matters of gittin, agunot etc.—in general this is proper for many reasons. However, since such matters mainly pertain to rabbinic authorities who rule on halacha etc., you should consult with such individuals.

To your comment on Likkutei Torah Shelach (42b) regarding niddah and zavah in living water—this is according to several geonim and also appears in Zohar III (97b) and Tikunei Zohar end of Tikun 5. Some of these points are referenced in my notes to Likkutei Torah there (published in the Likkutei Torah edition 5725).

To your comment on Likkutei Torah Naso (29b) that a voluntary minchah offering is brought in an Egyptian basket—which seems contrary to Sotah (14b) where it is invalid—it is explicit there that the reason is "bring it now to your governor," and this prohibition is not from the Torah (Kesef Mishneh Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach ch.2 halacha 10). According to some later authorities who say it is biblically forbidden—it would then be unclear why poor people bring bikkurim in willow baskets (Bikkurim ch.3 mishna 8), which are certainly inferior to palm branches (i.e., Egyptian basket as Rashi explains there). The reasoning of "bring it now..." applies even when not offered directly on the altar itself; this requires further study.

This matter was received from your letter after the above.

Regarding your responsa on agunot—it would be worthwhile first to see Sefer Otzar HaPoskim Even HaEzer siman 17 (published in Jerusalem), fill out accordingly in your responsa and afterwards publish successfully.

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This matter was received from your letter dated 13 Shevat and its enclosure.

Your question: Now it is easy to kindle a fire—why then is it forbidden on Shabbat? The explanation is simple: "Hashem made..." was even easier (speech; Hashem Who is infinite), yet nevertheless "He rested and was refreshed."

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With blessings for good news—including, obviously by their appearance—in our days—that volumes after Yud Alef Encyclopedia Talmudit will appear—with proper health.

If travel—a visit to Nepal—is truly necessary?

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In response to your question—the custom among Israel during Pesach is that each person stays with his family (and at home), especially the head of household. Additionally, it is very difficult to fulfill all Pesach requirements properly when elsewhere. This should be clear.

I enjoyed reading the excerpt from your article about shemitah; may Hashem grant you continued success.

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It goes without saying that a housing question does not delay matters regarding shidduchim.

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In response to your question—it is understood that one must complete his studies. May Hashem grant you success.

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In response to your comments:

• a) On Berachos sugya (32b): see tzt"z notes on Eichah verse "Zachor Hashem."

• b) The important notice regarding kerias haTorah—it is clear that it should be publicized wherever appropriate for local conditions since publicity was its purpose.
• c) Regarding visiting Ahekatv—you should present the matter before three friends and act according to their decision; general-particular. Printed at the beginning of Sefer HaSichos 5704; see Likkutei Sichos vol.11 p.235; its content was explained at length at the farbrengen Yud Shevat 5726. In the words of the one whose yahrzeit it is: In his letter for his father's first yahrzeit (printed in Chachmei Yisrael - New York 5684 - p.33a): "Giborei Yisrael...defenders...to protect": The connection between gibor, defender and protection—see Shir HaShirim Rabbah on "Elef HaMagen," Shiltey HaGiborim and Ohr HaTorah by tzt"z (this year marks a hundred years since his passing) Parshas Lech Lecha "Secharcha Harbeh Meod." Not only this: see Sotah (13b): Moshe did not die...just as there...so here too; also Zohar II 174a. Yeshurun: See Bereishis Rabbah Vayishlach sec.77: Yeshurun means beautiful and praiseworthy; Likkutei Torah Nitzavim p.45a; Ohr HaTorah by tzt"z Parshas Berachah p.A'tatnaff onwards at length etc.; there p.A'tatza: Yeshurun includes Yaakov and Yisrael together etc., king's delight in His essence etc., song etc., sing etc., with a straight nun etc., from Kesser Klali until Malchus. Note also Onkelos' translation Devarim 33:5 as "Yisrael," Yerushalmi as "Beis Yaakov."

This was written in his letter: Igros Kodesh vol.I letter 72; Shir HaShirim Rabbah ad loc.; Ohr HaTorah by tzt"z Parshas Lech Lecha p.78b onwards. To his questions: handwritten note at end of previous letter sent to Moreinu Harav Yehoshua Schneur Zalman Serbranski; further letters above vol.XI p.125; see references there. I have already written previously: see above vol.XII letter 4644; vol.XVII letter 5818. Shulchan Aruch Admor Hazaken: handwritten note at end of previous letter sent to Moreinu Ephraim Wolf Lod; further letters above vol.XVIII letter 7853; see references there. Shulchan Aruch Admor Hazaken volume two: just published by Kehot Publication Society Eretz Hakodesh. Regarding his writing about: written at end of previous letter sent to Moreinu Chaim Mordechai Perlov; further letters above vol.XII p.523; see references there. Part printed Likkutei Sichos vol.VII p.205 completed based on what was printed at beginning of his book Get Lemaseh. To his comment on Likkutei Torah Shelach: see also above vol.III letter 951; vol.IX letter 2850; Likkutei Sichos vol.VII p.321 note 5. To his comment on Likkutei Torah Naso: see also above vol.III letter 955. Bring it now to your governor etc.: Malachi I:8. This matter was received from his handwriting at end of previous letter sent to Moreinu Menachem Yisrael Melub; further letters above vol.X p.657; see references there. Printed Likkutei Sichos vol.XI p.351 completed based on photo copy. Your question about how easy it now is to kindle fire etc.: see also above vol.XV letter 3653. Hashem made...Shabbos Vayinafash: Tisa XXXI:17. With blessing for good news—from handwriting at end of previous letter sent to Moreinu Harav Shlomo Yosef Zevin; further letters above IX p.Lamed Gimel etc. In response to his question—written at end of previous letter printed Heichal Menachem III p.193; Likkutei Sichos XLVII p.150. The custom among Israel—see also above X letter Gimmel Resha etc.; cited Oheli Shem VI p.Ranad. It goes without saying—printed Likkutei Sichos XXIV p.466 written at end previous letter. In response to his comments—written at end previous letter sent Moreinu Yitzchak Dubov; further letters above XXIII p.Teshet etc.; below IXK Samach Gimel IXR Samach Zayin. tzt"z notes Eichah—printed later Ohr HaTorah Nach II p.A'peh onwards. Important notice regarding kerias haTorah—Igros Kodesh Admor Maharash I letter Samach Zayin. Before three friends—see also above XXI letter Tetetkafzayin etc.; Igros Kodesh Admor tzt"z II letter Yud etc.; references there.

Summary

The Rebbe addresses a wide range of halachic queries with detailed sources while encouraging consultation with rabbinic authorities for complex matters, underscores maintaining family unity during Pesach, supports diligent Torah study and publishing efforts, and highlights faithfulness to tradition even amidst modern challenges.