Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8955 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

Rosh Chodesh* Adar Sheini* 5725,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the annual banquet of the women's auxiliaries

of Brownsville and East New York for

the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch,

I greet you and bless you,

Your annual celebration takes place, this year, at a particularly propitious moment, since it occurs between the two Purims* (note 1: See Likkutei Sichos*, vol. 6, p. 376.). This moment is especially propitious for Jewish women, if one considers the decisive role that Queen Esther* had in the miracle of Purim*, "in those days, at this time." Queen Esther* could have been entirely reassured, regarding her personal situation. And, Mordechai* was surely right in saying that "relief and salvation would come to the Jews from another source" (note 2: The Rebbe* underlines the words: "relief and salvation would come to the Jews from another source."). The help of Hashem could have been revealed through someone else. Why then did Esther* have to risk her life for others? Nevertheless, Esther* took no account whatsoever of her own person. She gave of herself in order to save the Jews. As a result, she merited that the Megillah* bear her name.

There is in this a teaching for Jewish women of all eras. Certainly, who is she who can compare herself to Queen Esther*? Yet, it is certain that each woman can accomplish great things, in her own way, in her environment, provided she puts into practice the teachings of the Torah*, doing so with all her heart. Thus, Queen Esther* herself gave the example of what a Jewish woman can accomplish. At the time of the first Purim*, the decree of Haman was annulled when Mordechai* gathered the Jewish children and taught them Torah* (note 3: According to Midrash* Esther Rabbah*, chapter 9, paragraphs 3 and 4.), with an enthusiasm, a love transcending all limits for the Torah* and the Mitzvos*. These children refused to separate from Mordechai* the Righteous, for life or, which Hashem should prevent, for its opposite. Now, it is the same at every era. The foundation of the perpetuity of our people is the Torah* education that is given to Jewish children.

Such is the mission and the action of the women's auxiliaries, who assist the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch, so that they provide their very numerous students, may Hashem multiply them, with a Torah* education, based on sacred values. The annual banquet is the culmination of this work and I wish to hope that each person will do everything in their power so that it be a great success, in all domains. May you all be blessed, with the members of your families, in all your needs, both material and spiritual. With my blessing of success, to give me good tidings and for a joyous Purim*,