10773 —תפקידן של נשים יהודיות ואמהות בתורה ובקשר בין דורות

B"H, Lag BaOmer, 5733.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding the 18th annual convention of Nshei U'Bnos Chabad, may Hashem grant them life—blessing and peace!

On this auspicious day of Lag BaOmer, I send my greetings and blessings to all participants in the convention. May it be G‑d's will that it be successful to the fullest extent.

It has been emphasized many times that in all significant historical events that have become eternalized in our calendar, Jewish women have played a decisive role. This is also true regarding Lag BaOmer. Lag BaOmer, as is known, reminds us of the episode with Rabbi Akiva's students—especially those who survived the plague and together with their teacher revived and ensured the continuation of Torah Shebe'al Peh (the Oral Torah). Among them was the Tanna Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai (Rashbi), author of the Zohar, whose yahrzeit is on Lag BaOmer. Alongside his contribution to Nigleh d'Torah (the revealed aspect of Torah), he also ensured the continuation of Pnimiyus HaTorah (the inner dimension of Torah), Toras HaKabbalah. And these very students of Rabbi Akiva—our Sages of blessed memory say—saved the Torah at that time (Yevamos 62b).

What is the role of the Jewish woman at this critical moment in our people's history? Our Sages clearly expressed this in the story about Rabbi Akiva. The Gemara elaborates how Rabbi Akiva's ascent—from being an ignorant shepherd to becoming the greatest Tanna of his generation—was thanks to a woman: his loyal and courageous wife Rachel. And Rabbi Akiva himself publicly affirmed this before all his students: Sheli v'shelachem shelah hu (What is mine and yours is hers)—everything I have learned and you have learned is thanks to her (Kesubos 63a). This means that the entire structure of Torah Shebe'al Peh—the foundation and existence of our people—is essentially thanks to a Jewish woman!

Since this story—with all its details—is told and eternalized in the Gemara, it serves as a clear and explicit directive for all Jewish women in every generation. The practical lesson from this is that every Jewish woman receives from Above extraordinarily great strengths with far-reaching abilities—not only for herself and her husband and children but also for the entire Jewish people.

Referring to the main theme of this year's convention: VeHeishiv Lev Avos Al Banim VeLev Banim Al Avosam (He will turn the hearts of fathers to children and hearts of children to their fathers)—bringing parents' hearts closer to their children and children's hearts closer to their parents—or as it is now commonly expressed: creating a bridge between young and old generations—it is clear and understandable that women occupy a very important place in this. Especially since in matters involving drawing hearts close—which pertains to feelings—a woman has been endowed with a great measure of sensitivity and understanding; not to mention her major influence on education and character formation for children from their earliest youth—the woman and mother, Akeres HaBayis (mainstay of the home), has a very great and essential impact.

May Hashem grant that—in the spirit of this mentioned theme of the convention, especially through increased activities resulting from it together with efforts by all Jews—men and women, young and old—we should soon merit fulfillment of that prophecy which begins: Zichru Toras Moshe Avdi (“Remember the Torah of Moshe My servant”)—in such a way that remembrance expresses itself in daily life and actual conduct; which will bring closer fulfillment of what follows: Hinei Anochi Sholeiach Lachem Es Eliyahu HaNavi (“Behold I am sending you Eliyahu HaNavi”), who will herald true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu; then will be fulfilled: VeHeishiv Lev Avos Al Banim VeLev Banim Al Avosam (“He will turn fathers’ hearts toward children...”). Then too will be fulfilled King David’s prophecy: VeYimalei Kevodo Es Kol HaAretz Amen v’Amen (“May His glory fill all the earth”)—through His glory first permeating all hearts—of all children and parents, sons and daughters among Israel.

Blessings for success spiritually and materially, with good tidings regarding all mentioned above.

Summary

This letter highlights how Jewish women play an essential role in transmitting Torah values across generations. Their unique emotional insight empowers them as key builders within families—and by extension—the entire Jewish people.