9811 —הילולא-יארצייט של הרבי הקודם ותפקידן הייחודי של נשים יהודיות

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Shevat, 5730.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Nshei U'Bnos Chabad, may Hashem be upon them and grant them life—blessings and peace!

In connection with the yahrzeit-hilulah of the holy Rebbe, my father-in-law, leader of Israel, on the tenth day of this month—which this year falls as it did on the day of his passing twenty years ago, on Shabbat Parshas Bo—it is certainly unnecessary to emphasize that the purpose of commemorating and observing a memorial day among Jews is to become imbued with the content and spirit of that day so that it is reflected throughout all days of the year in one's actual daily conduct.

Similarly regarding this yahrzeit-hilulah: its intent is to be inspired by the light and influence of the one whose hilulah it is, so that it arouses in each one of us a strengthening in those activities conducted in his spirit and a firmer adherence to his ways—as he taught us and demonstrated through his own exemplary life and actions.

Especially concerning Jewish women and daughters in general—and Nshei U'Bnos Chabad in particular—it is well known how deeply he cared for their affairs: to illuminate their lives and help them appreciate the preciousness of their role as akeres habayis—not only as pillars of a Jewish home in Israel, their own Jewish household, but also as those who build and secure the future of all Beis Yisrael, all our people, upon foundations of Torah and mitzvos.

He also emphasized the great responsibility and merit this gives them—especially in our times—as seen from his holy talks and activities in girls’ education and related areas.

Moreover: while indicating direction as well as duties to be fulfilled in life, he also stressed that all these matters and activities should be carried out with vitality and joy—with chassidic light and warmth—which brings greater success both quantitatively and qualitatively to these efforts: both for those who do them and for those for whom they are done. For then everything is accomplished with heartfelt sincerity; as our Sages say: Devarim hayotzim min halev nichnasim el halev ("Words that come from the heart enter the heart")—heartfelt words have a heartfelt resonance—and are not lost.

Another point: actions performed with warmth, vitality, and joy bring greater inner satisfaction to those who do them; this awakens within them an increased desire to go from strength to strength—to make everything ever brighter.

May Hashem grant that all these aforementioned matters be fulfilled for you—and each one among you—in an ever-increasing manner; through this will also be broadened your channels and vessels to receive Hashem’s blessings in everything each one of you needs—materially and spiritually together.

With blessings for a good and successful month overall—and especially regarding all these matters mentioned above—and for good tidings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that commemorating a tzaddik’s yahrzeit should inspire us to live by their example every day. Jewish women have a unique mission to build homes filled with Torah values, warmth, joy, and chassidic light—bringing blessing into every aspect of life.