The "Five vs. Six" Debate: Precision in the Siddur
Insights from Shulchan Menachem, Volume 3, Siman 346
Continuing our study of the laws of Parshas Zachor, the Rebbe addresses a follow-up question regarding the pronunciation of "remembrance." The question was posed in a unique way: "Should we use five nikudos (dots) or six?" This refers to the vowel marks—Zeicher (with a Tzeire) has two dots, while Zecher (with two Segols) has six.
The Unanswered Question
In our previous lesson, we noted that the Rebbe "did not hear an instruction" on this matter. In this correspondence, however, the Rebbe uses a more poignant phrase: "I did not get a chance to receive an answer." The footnotes clarify the historical context of this statement. When the Rebbe was preparing the Lubavitch Siddur (Tehillat Hashem) for publication, he compiled a list of specific halachic and grammatical questions to present to his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe. Unfortunately, the Previous Rebbe passed away before this specific question could be answered. Consequently, the Rebbe had to determine the Chabad custom based on scholarly research and existing traditions.
The Sequence of Pronunciation
To ensure the mitzvah is performed flawlessly, the Rebbe reaffirms the sequence we discussed yesterday:
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In Parshas Beshalach (and on Purim morning): We say Zecher (6 dots) followed by Zeicher (2 dots/5 total in the word).
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In Parshas Ki Seitzei (and Parshas Zachor): We say Zeicher (2 dots/5 total) followed by Zecher (6 dots).
The Principle of "One Torah"
The Rebbe provides an additional, beautiful reason for reading both versions based on the Gemara in Rosh Hashanah 34b. While technically either pronunciation would likely fulfill the Torah obligation (as the change in vowels doesn't fundamentally alter the meaning of the word in a way that would disqualify the reading), the Rebbe emphasizes a communal concern.
If one synagogue read only "Zecher" and another read only "Zeicher," it might appear as if there are "two different Torahs" (Lo Tisgodedu). By incorporating both traditions into the reading, we encompass all valid customs and maintain a sense of unified practice across the Jewish people. Even though different groups have different Nuschaot (prayer rites), in matters with such strong, competing traditions, the Rebbe favors a comprehensive approach that brings everyone together under one reading.