Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9108

By the grace of Hashem,

Shushan Purim* 5726,
Brooklyn, New York,

To the participants in the twenty-fourth gathering of the donors of the Yeshiva* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch of Montreal, may Hashem grant you long life,

I greet and bless you,

This year, your annual celebration takes place a few days after Purim*[1]. One may therefore hope that the participants will still be under the recent influence of this holiday with its many teachings, emphasizing that among Jews, every commemoration is linked to concrete action, as it is said[2]: "These days are remembered and relived"[3].

Purim* evokes a period during which Jews found themselves in exile, albeit under a liberal and friendly dominion. There was first Koresh*, the king of Persia, who granted freedom to the Jews exiled in Babylonia. In large part, he treated them the same as everyone else. Under the reign of Achashverosh*, they still retained religious, economic, and political freedom, under the leadership of Mordechai* the Just, a member of the Sanhedrin*[4] and a recognized figure in the royal palace, "sitting*[5] at the king's gate."[3]

Mordechai* never forgot that he was originally from Jerusalem, that he had been exiled[6] from that city[3]. Other Jews, in contrast, wished to forget Jerusalem and the Temple, considering it an honor and a happiness to be able to take part in the royal feast, whose foods were non-kosher. The decree of the wicked Haman* resulted from this[7].

Mordechai* knew that the means of challenging Haman's* decree was the strengthening and development, for children, of a Jewish education faithful to the Torah*. Our Sages, of blessed memory, therefore tell us[8] that Mordechai* gathered several thousand of these children and taught them Torah* with such enthusiasm that they declared themselves ready to join him in the sanctification of Hashem's Name. It was then that all of Haman's* decrees were annulled.

After the great victory, when Mordechai* became the viceroy[3] in place of Haman* and his greatness was known throughout all the provinces, he always remained and everywhere[9] "Mordechai the Jew"[3], for he was at all times a Jew of the Torah*, proud to be so. This was the very foundation of his existence, his true ego. The story of Purim* therefore delivers a very clear teaching for all eras and all situations. Mordechai* and Esther* are living examples for Jews, men and women of all generations, including our own. The miracle of Purim* reminds us at all times that a Torah*-faithful Jewish education for children is indeed the secret of the existence and continuity of the Jewish people.

Under the influence of the fundamental aspects of Purim* just presented, each and every participant will surely be better able to evaluate the capital work accomplished by the Lubavitch Yeshiva* of Montreal, will identify even more clearly with the educational objectives of this great Torah* institution, having achieved such considerable accomplishments. I send my greetings to all the dear guests and participants, as well as my profound blessing that this celebration receive considerable success in all domains. The merit of spreading Torah* and Mitzvot* will protect you in all domains, public and personal, so that[10] "one multiplies joy"[3], both materially and spiritually. With my respects and my blessing for success, as well as that you give me good news,

M. Schneerson,