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Shmuel Raskin was a member of the Chabad-Lubavitch community residing in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), who maintained an ongoing correspondence with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. His letters to the Rebbe, and the Rebbe’s responses, reveal a relationship centered on personal guidance, family matters, spiritual growth, and communal responsibility.
The letters exchanged between Shmuel Raskin and the Rebbe span a range of deeply personal and communal topics. Raskin sought the Rebbe’s counsel regarding significant family challenges, particularly concerning his wife’s health and related marital and familial concerns. The Rebbe responded with empathy and practical advice, urging Raskin to maintain strong faith in G-d and avoid thoughts of separation from his wife. He encouraged trust in Divine providence for her recovery and the well-being of their family, and offered specific suggestions regarding medical care, including seeking the guidance of a general physician and following up with medical professionals as needed.
On matters of family harmony, especially in relation to disputes with in-laws, the Rebbe advised appointing respected rabbis to mediate and find a resolution, emphasizing the importance of unity and seeking rabbinic guidance. When Raskin’s wife gave birth to a son, the Rebbe sent heartfelt blessings and instructed that the parents themselves should choose the child’s name, following the precedent set by the Previous Rebbe.
The Rebbe also addressed Raskin’s spiritual life, expressing satisfaction with his Torah study schedule and recommending the memorization of Torah passages, Tanya, Chassidic discourses, and Mishnayos to fortify his mind against distracting thoughts. The Rebbe stressed the importance of regular Chassidus study—not only on Thursday nights but several times a week, and especially on Shabbos—citing the teachings of the Alter Rebbe that such study is a segulah (spiritual remedy) for blessing in children. He also gave practical health advice, urging Raskin to consult doctors promptly for physical ailments, referencing both Chassidic teachings and the Rambam.
In a letter written before Pesach, the Rebbe reflected on the extraordinary events of recent years in Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing that spiritual strength often prevails over material might. He reminded Raskin of the heightened responsibility borne by survivors of recent tragedies, especially those whose conduct serves as an example within their communities. The Rebbe highlighted Raskin’s background as a former student of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, affirming that spiritual investments never go to waste and encouraging him to be a model of a Chassidic Jewish home in both thought and deed.
Throughout the correspondence, the Rebbe’s tone is one of warmth, encouragement, and practical support. He repeatedly blesses Raskin and his family with health, peace of mind, and the merit to raise their children in Torah and good deeds. The Rebbe also offers specific blessings for successful pregnancies and easy births, advising acts of charity and strengthening of faith as spiritual preparations for these milestones.