9636 —אחדות המוח והלב, הנוער היהודי, והדינר השנתי של תומכי תמימים

B"H, 24 Teves, Hillula d'Rabbenu HaZaken, 5729. Brooklyn, NY.

To all participants in the 29th annual dinner of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch — may Hashem be upon them for life. Shalom u'Vrachah!

On this auspicious day of the yahrzeit-hillula of the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch and founder of Chabad philosophy, I send my greetings and blessings to all participants in the annual celebration of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch.

One of the fundamental principles of Chabad is that mind and heart (intellect and feeling) should govern and animate a person's daily life in complete harmony with each other, in a manner of moach shalit al halev (the mind ruling over the heart), so that the mind controls the heart.

When there is this inner harmony between intellect and feeling, then all a person's various activities in every detail of daily life—whether weekday or Shabbos and Yom Tov related, material or spiritual—are carried out as they should be: without conflict, contradiction, or wavering.

It is clear that today's tremendous confusion and unrest among general youth—which expresses itself in rebellion against even the most basic laws of human society—is a result of inner fragmentation and disharmony between intellect and feeling that unleashes unchecked emotions. Sadly, these symptoms have also affected significant segments of Jewish youth.

In this critical time it is especially vital to strengthen among Jewish youth a spiritual equilibrium whose only path is through Torah and mitzvos—with unity and harmony between intellect and feeling, with moach shalit al halev (the mind ruling over the heart).

For a Jew, this inner unity is more than just a secret or foundation for personal satisfaction; as explained broadly and deeply in Chabad teachings, this unity is also the key to unity in the world itself. It is intrinsically connected to the concept of G‑d's unity—the realization of which in life is the special mission of Jews as individuals and as a people.

This is hinted at in the words goy echad ba'aretz ("a singular nation on earth"), as the Alter Rebbe explains (Iggeres HaKodesh ch. 20): that the Jewish people—who are goy echad—actualize Hashem Echad (the One G‑d), so that there will be oneness on earth.

The Lubavitcher yeshiva educates its students in Torah and awe of Heaven permeated with this spirit of unity between mind and heart—moach shalit al halev—not only to achieve it themselves but also so that later on when they go out into the world they can help others attain this same harmony in their daily lives.

The annual banquet of the central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch gives special opportunity to those involved with or friends of the yeshiva to become true partners in this unity. The money—as well as effort and time—given for the yeshiva becomes transformed into Torah study, divine service (avodah), and acts of kindness—the three pillars upon which stand both the great world at large as well as each Jew's "small world," since every Jew—man or woman—is a world unto themselves.

Through this are strengthened and deepened Jews' connection with Hashem Yisbarach; from His side He grants everything needed: children, life, abundant sustenance—from His full open holy wide hand.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true harmony between intellect and emotion leads to personal fulfillment for every Jew. This inner unity not only benefits individuals but also brings about greater unity within society. Supporting Torah institutions helps realize this ideal for all.