10392 —תפקיד נשי ובנות חב"ד ותפקיד הנשים היהודיות בהפצת תורה

B"H, Pesach Sheini, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding the 17th annual convention of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad, may Hashem grant them life—blessings and peace! I was pleased to receive the news about the upcoming annual convention on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan. May it be G‑d's will that it be successful in every respect.

In recent weeks, I have had occasion to mention several times the verse that David HaMelech said on behalf of every Jew—man and woman—and on behalf of all Israel: 'Kemoft hayiti larabim v'Atah machsi oz' (I have been a wonder to many, but You [G‑d] are my strong refuge). One point here is that every Jew as an individual, and the Jewish people as a nation—in addition to their own personal fulfillment—bear responsibility for the surrounding world and must serve as a model for many.

One might think: how can a small nation serve as an example and inspiration for the entire world when the world is so immersed in materialism and is influenced more by quantity than quality? Similarly, a Jew who observes Torah and mitzvos might wonder: how can I, an individual among many, accomplish anything? The answer lies in that same verse: 'v'Atah machsi oz.' Jews go with the strength of the Almighty and with the powers they receive from G‑d's Torah and mitzvos.

In this sense our Sages teach that when G‑d gave the Torah to the Jews at Mount Sinai—in the Sinai desert, separated from the rest of the world—the Ten Commandments reverberated throughout all corners of the world and shook all nations. However, they calmed down when they learned why: G‑d had given His Torah to Israel. Then they said: 'Hashem oz l'amo yiten; Hashem yevarech et amo v'shalom' (G‑d gives strength [the Torah] to His people; G‑d will bless His people with peace). This underscores that the power Jews receive through G‑d's Torah is not a brutal force to dominate nations; rather, on the contrary—the Torah brings peace to the world: peace for individuals, peace for communities, and ultimately peace among nations.

In our present time—when there is tremendous confusion and turmoil—the voice of Yaakov, the clear call of Torah and mitzvos, must resound everywhere Jews who observe Torah and mitzvos are found. Just as at Matan Torah when G‑d instructed Moshe Rabbeinu to first speak to the women (Beis Yaakov) and then to the men (Bnei Yisrael), so too today Jewish women have a very important role in upholding and spreading Torah and mitzvos in daily life.

This is especially true considering that when it comes to influence—being a model for many—a warm feeling has a stronger impact than cold intellect. Women are generally endowed with greater feeling and sensitivity than men.

Since this annual convention takes place on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan—the month of Matan Torah—all will surely be under the impression of these days as mentioned above. In this spirit there will certainly be expanded and strengthened activity by Nshei U'Bnos Chabad with renewed and increased energy.

With blessings for success spiritually and materially, and for good tidings in all matters mentioned above,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Jewish women play an essential role in spreading Torah’s light by serving as models for others with warmth and sensitivity. Their efforts bring blessing and peace both personally and globally—even amidst confusion—especially during auspicious times like Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan.