10094 —לקחים מפורים וחשיבות חינוך התורה

B"H, 7 Adar, year — k"y — 5701 at Rosh Bnei Yisrael Brooklyn, NY.

On the occasion of the 29th annual gathering of the "Netzivei HaYeshivah" Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch in Montreal, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The participants in this annual gathering—a few days after Purim—will surely bring with them the fresh inspiration that the days of Purim bring to all Jews.

The miracles of Purim, for which we thank the Almighty in the prayer "Al HaNissim," came as a direct result of Jews withstanding the great test—not seeking an easy way out against Haman's decree by giving up their Judaism, G‑d forbid. For Haman's decree was directed against Jews as Jews, and it would have been easy to avoid it by casting off, G‑d forbid, even outwardly, the yoke of Torah and mitzvos. Nevertheless, not only did Jews steadfastly maintain their Torah observance with great self-sacrifice throughout the entire year that the decree hung over them, but they also strengthened their bond to Torah and mitzvos with a deep sense of teshuvah that permeated all Jews.

In those critical days, the importance of proper education was especially emphasized—as our Sages tell us—that Mordechai HaYehudi gathered Jewish children and strengthened them in learning Torah and fulfilling mitzvos, even to actual self-sacrifice. This brought about the miraculous "VeNahafoch Hu"—the complete transformation from mourning to joy; as Megillah relates: "LaYehudim Hayta Ora v'Simcha v'Sasson v'Yikar" (For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor).

As with all directives in Torah (from the word "hora'ah," instruction), which come from eternal Torah and are valid at all times and places—the events of Purim teach us how Jews can free themselves from Hamans in every generation—including our own: namely—to strengthen our bond to eternal Torah through daily observance of Torah and mitzvos; especially to strengthen Torah education for Jewish children so it permeates them to the highest level of devotion to true Jewishness—Torah and mitzvos—imbued with chassidic warmth and enthusiasm.

In light of all this above, every participant in this annual gathering will surely fully appreciate the significance of this great fortress of Torah education—the Lubavitcher Yeshivah in your city—and express this through practical action. In this merit, may Hashem bless and grant success so that there will be light and gladness and joy and honor in every respect—for you and your household for life—and for all Jews everywhere.

With honor and blessing for success and good tidings,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

This letter teaches that steadfast devotion to Torah values—even under pressure—is key to Jewish survival. Strengthening children's Torah education ensures continuity, blessing, and spiritual transformation for individuals and communities alike.