10329 —חינוך על טהרת הקודש ומורשת בעל ההילולא

B"H, Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh Parshat Beshalach, on the eve of Sunday Parshat Yitro, 5732. Brooklyn, NY.

To Anash and all those involved in spreading Judaism, Torah and its mitzvot – among all lovers of Torah and mitzvah, may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As we have just returned from the day of the hilula (yahrzeit) of the Baal HaHilula – as with every matter of remembrance according to our Torah of life and truth, the ultimate purpose is to be aroused by the content and inner meaning of what is remembered so that it will be elevated and reach thought, speech, and action; and action is paramount. So too, obviously and simply, regarding the yahrzeit of the Baal HaHilula: it should lead to reflection on his deeds during his lifetime in this world and to draw conclusions—each man and woman—regarding their own thought, speech, and action.

I have come here to point out a central matter—a core point among many—from the activities of the Baal HaHilula: his lifelong devotion up to actual self-sacrifice for education al taharas hakodesh (pure holy education) for Jewish boys and girls wherever they are. In this area especially he worked tirelessly himself and commanded all who listened to his voice—and even made heartfelt requests to anyone who would heed his call—to engage energetically in matters of education al taharas hakodesh in general, particularly educating their sons and daughters as well as themselves in such an education—an education founded on Torah and mitzvot that defines daily conduct and life.

He was exemplary both in teaching and fulfilling this ideal; he strove with all his might to establish institutions for pure holy education wherever he could—both for boys and for girls—as is well known.

My mission is thus to once again arouse everyone who learned his Torah or followed his path (and surely still do), as well as all who wish to join his legacy—and all lovers of Torah and mitzvah—to act accordingly with proper enthusiasm: with selfless dedication physically and spiritually—and even more so financially—both by strengthening existing institutions for pure holy education and by founding new ones wherever possible. As our Sages expound regarding such matters: "Hashem desires for His righteousness that He may magnify Torah and make it glorious." Above all—to educate all their sons (may they live) and daughters (may they live) in institutions for pure holy education.

And behold: "Zerizim makdimin lemitzvot" (the zealous hasten to fulfill mitzvot)—and how much more so is zeal required in matters of education today when there are many lurking dangers seeking to ensnare young people into educational settings contrary to kosher education etc., G‑d forbid. Therefore every moment earlier is precious in all these matters.

Certainly the Baal HaHilula arouses abundant mercy on all those involved in these matters—for everything they need materially and spiritually—and at its core: that they see true nachas from their offspring with abundance both physically and spiritually together.

Since we are commanded to always ascend in holiness—and "with the measure a person measures so is measured out to him"—surely from time to time you will increase these activities; may Hashem Who gives Torah and mitzvah add His blessings abundantly from His full open holy wide hand—and swiftly may His word run forth—Hashem's blessings until fulfillment of the promise: "Elokim le'hatzileni Hashem le'ezrati chusha... Elokim chusha li" (G‑d save me! L‑rd hasten to help me! G‑d hasten for me)—to hasten the true complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.

All this relates directly to these weeks' Torah portions: The portion about redemption and song (the splitting of Yam Suf), which "the children of Israel recognized first—even tangibly," as it says: "Zeh Keili v'anveihu" (This is my G‑d, I will glorify Him)—they pointed Him out with a finger; also Parshat Matan Torah given "to Beit Yaakov" (the women) "and Bnei Yisrael" (the men)—through mutual responsibility (as our Sages say): "Our children are guarantors for us."

With honor and blessing for great success in all above-mentioned matters,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that remembering tzaddikim inspires us toward action—especially strengthening pure Jewish education everywhere. This mission requires urgency, dedication, resources, mutual responsibility between generations—and brings spiritual blessing along with true nachas from our children.