Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7301 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

Lag BaOmer* 5720,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the Women's Association of Brownsville and East New York, whom Hashem will grant long life,

I bless you and greet you,

Your annual celebration will take place this Tuesday, two days after Lag BaOmer*. It will surely take place under the influence of this luminous day, that of Lag BaOmer*. This date recalls two important moments, linked to it and in relation to one another. Lag BaOmer* underscores the immense importance of studying and disseminating the Torah*, with love of one's fellow and self-sacrifice, as in the era of the great Sage of the Mishnah*, Rabbi Akiva*, and his disciples.

It is also on Lag BaOmer* that one of the greatest students of Rabbi Akiva*, the Sage of the Mishnah* of great holiness, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai*, reached the culmination of the mission entrusted to him here below. He was first and foremost charged with revealing the deep light and the secrets of the Torah*, through his holy work, the Zohar*. Through the intermediary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai*, Hashem opened a new channel, enabling a profound divine understanding, faith, and trust in Hashem, in order to vivify and strengthen the Jewish people during the bitter period of exile.

In a few days, it will be the first day of Shavuos*, the time of the giving of our Torah*, and this date will mark the bicentennial of the end of the mission entrusted to the soul of the holy Baal Shem Tov* in this world — that of disseminating the clarity of the Torah* and Mitzvos* through Chassidus*, so that it reach every individual. The heavenly wellsprings introduced by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai* were reserved for an elite. Then, the Baal Shem Tov* opened them wide for all, thus achieving an even broader benefit for the chosen people during the critical period of exile. It is unnecessary to emphasize that this moment is particularly propitious for every accomplishment aimed at disseminating the Torah* and Mitzvos*, with fear of Hashem, love of one's fellow, and self-sacrifice. Such is precisely the objective of the Lubavitch institutions and of all who are connected to them.

You yourselves, Jewish mothers and women who are devoted to the Lubavitch institutions, bear a particular responsibility that is also a great merit. You must contribute so that the purpose and mission of Hashem be carried to fruition. May Hashem grant that your action be fruitful, in an ever-increasing manner, in good health, being freed from all worries and troubles, in joy and enthusiasm, materially and spiritually alike. With my blessing of success,