Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6288 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

Eve of Rosh Chodesh* Sivan* 5718,

"The third month, on this day, they arrived in the desert of Sinai*,"

Brooklyn, New York,

To all participants at the third convention of the association of Chabad* women and girls, may Hashem* grant you long life,

Blessings and greetings,

You are gathering on the occasion of the third annual convention of the association of Chabad* women and girls. I therefore address you all according to the traditional Jewish formula: "Welcome" and I express the following wish: "May you be pleasing to Hashem*" and may the work of your hands know great success. In conformity with the explanation of the Baal Shem Tov*, which we have heard many times from my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, everything is an effect of divine Providence and delivers a teaching for the service of Hashem*. The same applies to the date on which this convention was scheduled, with the help of Hashem*, that is, Rosh Chodesh* Sivan*. Indeed, a lesson concerning this convention derives from this date.

For it is on this day that the children of Israel arrived in the desert of Sinai*, as it is said: "Israel camped there, facing the mountain" of Sinai*. Our Sages* specify that they arrived there "like one man with one heart." Hashem* considered that there was in this a judicious preparation, a proof that the Torah* should indeed be given to them. Now, it is eternal, at all times and in every place. The same applies to the manner of preparing to receive it, at the present time.

The very day of Rosh Chodesh* Sivan* delivers a teaching and a lesson to Jews, in particular those who gather for the purpose of strengthening true Judaism, of achieving unity among themselves through love of Israel accompanied by love of the Torah* and love of Hashem*. And, this unity will manifest "facing the mountain," in order to receive there the Torah* of Moshe*, a Torah* of life, which infuses life and shows how to live during the weekdays, on Shabbos* and the festivals.

Before Mount Sinai*, the Torah* was received in the following order: "Thus, you shall say to the house of Yaakov*," that is, to the women, then: "you shall say to the children of Israel," to the men. And, the same applies at the present time, when we prepare to receive the Torah*, with increased ardor and enthusiasm. Jewish women, with all the flame of Chabad*, its warmth and its clarity, as our masters emphasize, must put into practice what has just been said in the best manner. This is one of the essential objectives assigned to the association of Chabad* women and girls. They must set the example for this sacred action. Thus, the blessings of Hashem* will surely be increased thereby, satisfying the needs of each one and the members of her family. With my blessing of success and for all good,

M. Schneerson,