9278 —האסיפה השנתית של גמילות חסדים שומרי שבת וכוח הקהל

B"H, on the eve of Shabbat Parshas Im Kesef Talveh Es Ami, 5727. Brooklyn, NY.

To the administration of the Shomrei Shabbat Gemilus Chasadim Society, may Hashem be upon them for life. Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is with pleasure that I received the news that on Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Im Kesef Talveh Es Ami you are arranging your annual gathering.

May it be G‑d's will that it take place at an auspicious and successful time, especially since this year is a year of "Hakhel." If we may say so—this adds also to matters of gemilus chasadim and tzedakah, for Hakhel is about gathering together people who are different from one another—even to the point of complete difference—and as the verse says: "Anashim nashim v'taf v'geirecha asher b'sha'arecha" (men, women, children, and your stranger within your gates), especially as explained in many places that participants in Hakhel range from the greatest to even a newborn child—all together at one time and with one call by one unique among them—the king.

This is also among the ideas of tzedakah and gemilus chasadim: bringing close both poor and rich—specifically in a way of appeasement and with a pleasant countenance—so that there is no sense of difference between giver and receiver. And only when both are joined together does the mitzvah of the King—the King of the world—the mitzvah of tzedakah—truly take place.

Especially in gemilus chasadim—which is greater than tzedakah—the giving and receiving (wherein lies the distinction between poor and rich) is only temporary since it will be returned when repayment is due.

May it be G‑d's will that your gemilus chasadim and tzedakah in this year of Hakhel—as our Sages teach—bring closer and actually bring about the true redemption speedily in our days; may the Righteous One of the world (whose entire affairs are acts of kindness with His creations) fulfill His promise and assurance to save His people and bring them from the land of the north and from all corners—a great congregation—and as those verses continue: they will come and sing on Mount Zion and stream toward Hashem's goodness—through our righteous Moshiach very soon.

With honor and blessing for good news in all mentioned above,
M. Schneersohn

P.S. As is my custom—even though without a vow—I am attaching my participation in your blessed activities.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages unity through acts of charity during Hakhel, teaching that bringing people together for gemilus chasadim not only fulfills mitzvos but also hastens redemption. Every act done with unity elevates both giver and receiver alike.