9596 —ברכות יום הולדת, מוסדות חב"ד בירושלים, ולימודים מפרשת חיי שרה

B"H, Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh Mevarchim Chodesh Kislev, 5729.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In connection with your upcoming birthday, I wish you a year of success and blessing both in general matters and in personal matters—for one depends on the other and they cannot be separated when it comes to a Jew in general, and all the more so for you and your role. May it be with proper health, joy, and gladness of heart.

Since I hope that as in previous years you will be on that day at the Tzemach Tzedek synagogue and study hall in Jerusalem the complete city that is joined together, I am enclosing something relevant to these days from the teachings of Admor HaTzemech Tzedek—both revealed and hidden Torah together—for in the Tzemach Tzedek's discourses this unity is seen more openly than in those of our Rebbeim before or after him. Unfortunately, the binding was not finished so the sheets were sent as they are.

With honor and blessing for long days and good years and for good tidings both materially and spiritually together.

Since you merited that the founding of Kfar Chabad fell to your lot—may it be G‑d's will that soon there will also be a second Kfar Chabad founded, then a third, etc.—it occurred to me to suggest to you regarding your birthday and regarding the Tzemach Tzedek synagogue: as a preface I received good news that on that street there are still plots of land or even buildings belonging to Chabad or its institutions; at any rate the street is called Chabad Street. In connection with this it would be proper, correct, fitting, and good for more buildings on that street as well as plots to be added to the aforementioned synagogue and study hall—apartments for Chabad people as well as institutions—and first of all a yeshiva or small yeshiva (in quantity), perhaps also including a dormitory etc.

Given the pace of events in recent years it is possible this could happen soon—even speedily in our days—if all those who can help decide truly want these things. Of course I am not unaware of various difficulties involved—both regarding evacuation/removal of current matters at that location and regarding building up what is desired—but certainly with proper will all these difficulties can easily be overcome relative to their scale.

And with a slight change from our Sages' style "to bring something out into open speech"—not only should the street but even the whole neighborhood be called Chabad Neighborhood.

Continuing from above I will quote here a point discussed today at the farbrengen of Shabbat Mevarchim Kislev (Parshas Chayei Sarah). It is known that Admor HaZaken said—a saying we have heard many times from Admor HaRayatz: "M'darf leben mit der tzeit" (One must live with the times), meaning one should learn from the weekly Torah portion for events of this week. Sometimes one must contemplate deeply into this week's portion until finding guidance relevant to current events; sometimes such guidance is easier to find.

With G‑d's compassion it is understood that if there could be doubts or bias leading someone studying the weekly portion away from finding its true lesson without twisting or misinterpreting it—in such cases sometimes guidance comes so clearly it cannot be interpreted otherwise. This applies this week right at its start—as explained below we must also understand why there is such length in telling about Avraham's negotiations with Bnei Cheis; what does it add?

There was a plot of land with a cave in Chevron where Adam and Chava were buried; this field/cave/city was under Bnei Cheis' control—they too were descendants of Adam/Chava, numerous etc. The Torah tells how Avraham—one man—asks them for Ma'aras HaMachpelah not temporarily but as an everlasting possession; seemingly an unreasonable demand since they are many living there with equal claim through Adam/Chava like Avraham. And who makes this demand? The very one whose life was dedicated to hospitality/gemilus chassadim so much so that Creator testifies about him: "I have known him because he will command his children...to keep G‑d's way doing righteousness/justice." So certainly his request was just—and even Bnei Cheis ultimately agree peacefully without argument or war.

The initial conversation had to begin "Ger v'toshav anochi imachem" (I am a stranger/resident among you)—as Rashi explains (meaning even a five-year-old learning Chumash understands): if you wish I'll be a stranger; if not I'll take possession by right since G‑d told me "To your descendants I have given this land." And remarkably Bnei Cheis not only agree but Efron gives him not just the cave but also the field—and ultimately every tree within its borders. Regarding payment—they ask for much (400 silver shekels) but do little (typical for Bnei Cheis). From then Ma'aras HaMachpelah became Avraham's everlasting possession—with agreement of Bnei Cheis/all nations descending from them—a clear lesson for all similar cases especially this one itself—even clear to a five-year-old learning Torah.

But regarding how it's done—a five-year-old or even ten-year-old might err thinking one must bow down before "the people of the land" as written (see Even Ezra). But our Sages explain (for those already fifteen learning Gemara/Talmud): "And he bowed" teaches us we thank G‑d upon good news—even though done before "the people of the land," meaning he explained so they understood praise/gratitude was directed toward Hashem.

The lessons from Ma'aras HaMachpelah apply similarly regarding Chabad Street in Jerusalem's Old City etc., as above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to connect personal milestones with communal growth by supporting Jewish institutions. Drawing on Parshas Chayei Sarah, he highlights persistence, unity among Jews, gratitude toward Hashem even amid challenges, and seeing Divine providence guiding our efforts.