Mattan Torah teaches that the deepest truths of Torah are expressed in everyday life; Torah belongs not only to scholars but to every Jew, regardless of background or status.
4 Sivan 5709
June 1, 1949
Mr. Joseph Baer
4-05 26th Ave.
Long Island City 2, N.Y.
My dear Mr. Baer:
This will acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter and enclosure from Mr. Klein. We have written to him as per enclosed copy and sent him some publications with the “Memoirs” as you suggested.
It is with much pleasure that we are sending you now our latest publication - the Complete Story of Shovuoth, which will undoubtedly prove interesting and informative.
On the eve of Shovuoth I send you and yours our best wishes for a happy and inspiring Yom Tov.
In this connection I should like to draw a parallel between this festival and the “Memoirs” which, I was gratified to hear, you find stimulating. Shovuoth is the day of the Revelation on Mt. Sinai, when the Ten Commandments were given. (The complete Torah was given later in the course of forty days). The giving of the Ten Commandments required much preparation, and was accompanied by amazing natural and supernatural phenomena. Yet, on examination, we find that the Ten commandments contain some very “simple” laws, such as honoring father and mother, prohibition of bloodshed, etc. Herein lies a profound lesson: that true service of G-d and humanity is not exercised exclusively in the study of metaphysics, but is even more so within the sphere of the ordinary and every-day facts and practices of our daily life.
The “Memoirs” colorfully underline this lesson. In the setting of a simple life, often disguised as common artisans, the Jews described in the “Memoirs” showed to what lofty spiritual heights one may rise by leading a wholesome Jewish life. The scholar and intellectual have no monopoly upon the Torah, which can and should be practiced by every Jew, no matter what walk of life he treads.
With all good wishes and kindest regards,
Very sincerely
Rabbi Mendel Schneerson
