9777 —ברכות יום הולדת, מזמור פא, והוצאת כתבי יד חסידיים

B"H, 22nd of Cheshvan, 5730.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In addition to what I conveyed through my emissaries, my heartfelt blessing for your birthday: May you be granted many good years together with your family in proper health and joy. May you fulfill your current and future roles completely and perfectly—in the words of our Sages: whole and good to Heaven and to people; whole in body, soul, and Torah; with peace in our holy land as it is written: "And I will grant peace in the land... and a sword shall not pass through your land. I am Hashem your G‑d who took you out from the land of Egypt... and I will lead you upright."

The words of my revered father-in-law have already been published: It is known that the Alter Rebbe received from his teacher (in the name of his teacher, our master the Baal Shem Tov) the custom to recite after Shacharis each day (before saying the daily Tehillim portion) the chapter of Tehillim corresponding to one's age. Accordingly, starting from Rosh Chodesh Kislev this year you should begin reciting Psalm 81. May it be fulfilled for you as stated in this psalm: "I am Hashem who brought you up from Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it"—among all other blessings in this psalm.

It has often been discussed that the verse says "who brought you up from Egypt," which is unusual compared to most places (including Vayikra), where it says "who took you out." The emphasis here is on "brought up," meaning elevation from all matters of Egypt—primarily its essence as limitation and boundaries—which is a preface to the promise that follows: "open your mouth wide and I will fill it." This expansion has no conditions or limitations; it depends only on a person’s initiative—and it is assured that however much one expands, "I will fill it."

The explanation is as follows: Since it begins with "Anochi" (the One Who is Anochi—not hinted at by any letter or mark), Hashem (Who brings all creation into being), Elokecha (your strength and vitality—even though man was created as a soul within a limited body), through Anochi Hashem being your strength and vitality—I am "who brought you up from Egypt" (from limitations). Therefore, if only you "open your mouth wide," then immediately "I will fill it."

To dispel any doubts or skepticism: The tzt"z quotes in his notes on Tehillim regarding this verse: Rashi explains "open your mouth wide"—ask Me for all your heart's desires and I will fulfill them; also Raavya: When you believe that I am Hashem Who stands forever—delight in Me so that you request with your mouth all your wishes and desires—and I will fulfill them.

With appreciation, respect, and blessing—and especially for all those participating in your birthday celebration wherever they are, especially in Eretz Yisrael (upon which Hashem’s eyes rest from year's beginning to end), at the Tzemach Tzedek synagogue and study hall in Jerusalem our holy city may it be rebuilt soon, and in Kfar Chabad—founded and directed by my revered father-in-law. You have merited to be among its main builders; may you continue increasing light there.

With wishes for Mr. Shevesht soon—that Hashem fulfilled His word: “In a short time I will subdue their enemies... He fed them with wheat’s fatness; from rock-honey I satisfied you.”

M. Schneersohn

P.S. My request—and encouragement—to complete and publish discourses/notes by the Rebbe tzt"z handwritten on Sefer Bereishis beyond what has already been printed. The first volume will cover Bereishis/Noach—so that it reaches you for your birthday as a gift from Kfar Chabad residents (their sons/daughters) as well as myself. Especially since one discourse helps understand blessings—a long maamar by the Alter Rebbe with notes/abbreviations by tzt"z. I hope this book reaches you on time.

I just received your letter dated 7th of Cheshvan. Thank you for the great satisfaction its content brought me—beginning with good news confirming that an emissary fulfills his mission: The emissaries who traveled delivered birthday blessings along with news about our holy land etc., concluding with confirmation that on Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev you'll pray at Tzemach Tzedek synagogue; on its eve you'll be in Kfar Chabad. May every good thing—especially those good for Heaven/people—produce good fruits above/below.

Regarding printing a volume of Alter Rebbe's maamarim ready for print—I regret that apparently at the time you did not receive this third volume (Sefer Maamarei Admor Hazaken – 5562), printed several years ago. It’s even referenced at the end of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s article in Kovetz K.N., noting it was printed after his article was written. My request then was they send this book to you immediately.

In our manuscript archive here there are two more small-format booklets—mostly Alter Rebbe's maamarim (many short ones); some were printed in Boneh Yerushalayim/Maeh Shearim volumes but according to my memory several have not yet been published. Even among those already printed there are differences between these booklets’ versions.

The total number of such maamarim—whether enough for a full book or more—can only be determined after collecting/editing/comparing them with other printed maamarim/manuscripts here. How long this process will take is also hard to estimate.

Nevertheless, I found it appropriate to inform you now—as everything is by Divine Providence especially regarding Torah/chassidus revealed nowadays through chassidus—and for you to decide if this fits what was on your mind when writing me. The main difference here is: While Sefer 5562 was copied directly from Admor HaEmtza’i’s manuscript—the maamarim discussed here are copies [though apparently copied from originals or edited manuscripts].

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that birthdays are times for blessing and spiritual growth; reciting Psalm 81 symbolizes personal elevation beyond limitations. He emphasizes publishing chassidic teachings so their light can reach ever wider circles.