10737 —המשמעות הפנימית של משלוח מנות ואחדות ישראל עבור חיילים

B"H, 26 Adar II, 5733.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the letter from the 7th of Adar II written in your name, and thank you very much for your attention in notifying me about receiving the mishloach manos for Purim.

My hope is that as members of our people, Am Yisrael, who are called in the holy Torah "a wise and understanding nation," you certainly have also reflected on the inner meaning of this mitzvah of mishloach manos ish l'rei'eihu (sending portions one to another). As explained by our Sages of blessed memory, one reason for this mitzvah is to emphasize that even though our people are scattered and dispersed among the nations, we are still one nation—united in love and brotherhood one to another. And this is not just a matter of thought or feeling; it must be expressed in actual deed. Therefore, it is important to note that one does not fulfill this mitzvah by sending greetings or even words of Torah and wisdom, but specifically by sending actual portions from which one can immediately benefit with a real meal. Furthermore, "portion" means a fine portion worthy of being honored with.

Another point here—as emphasized in the Megillah—even a non-Jew like Haman HaRasha recognizes the true reality that there is "one nation" (even though they are) scattered and dispersed among the nations (and their unity is expressed in that) "their laws are different from every other nation." The meaning of "their laws" (in plural) here is not faith or belief in the heart but simply customs, manners, and daily conduct in practical action. Even Esther, when she tried to annul the decree, did not deny this—for it is indeed true.

Certainly, IDF soldiers standing at the borders and guarding all Jews living in Eretz Yisrael do not need extra emphasis on the uniqueness and mission of our people—this has stood by us and our ancestors in every generation against all who rise against us.

May it be G‑d's will that you merit to protect not only the physical borders of Eretz Yisrael but also its spiritual borders. Eretz Yisrael is called "the Holy Land" even by all nations of the world; this holiness comes from our holy Torah and its mitzvos—it is the secret and foundation of Am Yisrael's existence. May you do all this—as stated in the Megillah—with light, joy, gladness, and honor.

And since we are approaching Pesach—the time of our freedom—may you all be blessed with a kosher and happy Pesach and true freedom. May we soon merit fulfillment of the promise: "And I will grant peace in the land," as well as its continuation: "I will be your G‑d and you will be My people...and I will lead you upright."

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that mishloach manos expresses Jewish unity through real action—not just sentiment—and urges soldiers to safeguard both physical and spiritual aspects of Eretz Yisrael. He blesses them with joy for Pesach and true national redemption.