The Jewish nation as ‘one man with one heart’ at Sinai; despite normally differing outlooks, anticipation of receiving the Torah unified them completely; Reliving this at Mattan Torah reading on Shavuos
By the Grace of G-d
Rosh Chodesh Sivan, 5738. Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Pinchas Meir Kalms
45 Sheldon Avenue
Highgate, London, N.6.
Greeting and Blessing:
Although I already conveyed my reply to your query, I will reiterate my reply in writing. Briefly my advice is as follows:
It is clear that you ought to stay with the company by all means and continue directing it. In order to strengthen your position in the company, you should be as active as possible in the management of the business so that your usefulness to the company and your active directorship, etc. will be felt....
I take this opportunity of expressing my regret that — for reasons you are aware of — it was impossible to talk things over with you personally and at length, nor to meet your younger daughter. However, when Jews meet at a Farbrengen dedicated to Torah and Yiddishkeit, in a sacred place of Tefilah and Torah study, especially one that had been graced by the presence of my father-in-law of saintly memory for ten years — this unites Jews and brings them closer together than a personal conversation.
Apropos of the above, and in connection with the forthcoming Festival of Mattan Torah, the unity of our people is directly related to it, as our Sages interpret the words, “and Israel encamped there facing the Mountain” (Yisro 19:21), taking note of the use of the singular person - שיאכ דחא בלב דחא, “like one man, with one heart.” (Rashi, from Mechilta). It was the first time since the departure from Egypt that the Jewish people felt truly united, and G-d said, “Now they are fit to receive the Torah.”
At first glance it seems extraordinary that a whole nation could be so united as to be described “like one person with one heart,” especially as it has been said that “people differ in their outlooks as they differ in their looks,” and there are various walks of life and interests. But the explanation is found in the words, “facing the Mountain.” For, when the Jewish people were about to receive the Torah, they were all of like mind and heart, and all so eager to receive the Torah and its Mitzvos that in the light of it everything else paled into insignificance, and thus they all truly became like one person with one heart.
Since the Torah was given not only to our ancestors coming out of Egypt, but the souls of all Jews of all future generations were present and joined in “na’aseh v’nishma,” the reading of the portion of Mattan Torah on Shovuos — most solemnly and with a Brocho before and after — inspires every one of us to relive this experience, and rejuvenates the powers of every Jew to renew his, and her, commitment to Torah and Mitzvos with increased vigor and vitality and joy. May it be so with you and yours and all of us in the midst of all our people.
Wishing you and all your family a joyous and inspiring Yom Tov, and the traditional blessing to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
