Igrot Kodesh · Letter 432 — Divine Providence and the Custom of Seven Aliyot on Shabbat

With the help of Hashem*, 3 Tevet 5709.

To my friend, the chassid*, the renowned scholar, Rav Yisrael Noah Belinitski*[1], may he live long and well.

I received your undated letter. The many activities, particularly the preparation of the Tzemach Tzedek*'s work on Shemot* for press — modeled on Or HaTorah* on Bereishit* with some notes — prevent me from responding to all your questions. I will answer some now:

A) Regarding Divine Providence*: does Hashem*'s knowledge extend only to the general level (such that an individual Egyptian could have refused the mission to oppress Israel[2]) or does it extend to each specific detail? The Rebbe*[3] makes it impossible to say 'general only' — this would contradict explicit verses and the words of the Sages*. The Midrash* Vayikra Rabbah* 26:7 shows that Hashem* showed Moshe* every generation individually.

B) May one call more than 7 people to the Torah* on Shabbat* in order to avoid hurt feelings? This depends on the person and the consequences of exclusion. In Poland the custom of adding appellee is widespread. The Chabad* custom (according to the Tzemach Tzedek*'s responsa*, Orach Chaim* ch.35[4]): one does not add beyond 7. When this situation arose at a Shabbat* before a wedding, the Previous Rebbe*[4] did not agree to add additional appellee — he suggested two separate Torah readings at two different locations. One should follow the customs of the Chabad* Rebbe*s in all matters where they apply.

Enclosed: a response previously written regarding the questions on Divine Providence (= letter 94[5]) — please return it after reading. Also enclosed: a letter for Rav Yochanan Gordon[6].

With blessing.