Free Rendition
By the Grace of G-d
in the Days of Sefirah,
5738. Brooklyn, N.Y.
The 23rd Annual Convention
National Council of N'shei uBnos Chabad
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to be informed about the forthcoming Annual Convention during the weekend of Parshas Bechukosai. May G-d grant that it should be blessed with the utmost Hatzlocho in every respect.
As in the case of all events, and especially in the case of such an important event we must seek guidance and instruction in the Torah, "Torah" meaning instruction, particularly in the Sedra of the Week when the event is taking place.
The Sedra Bechukosai begins with the Divine promise: "If you will walk in in My statutes, and keep My Mitzvoth and do them" – then He will bestow all the blessings mentioned further on in the Sedra.
The question that poses itself is obvious: Surely G-d’s Mitzvoth must be fulfilled not for the sake of material rewards, but for their own sake, because G-d commanded them, while the reward is sure to come as a matter of course, since the Mitzvoth were given for the benefit of the doer, both in this life and in the eternal life that follows.
One answer, among others, as also explained at length in the Rambam, is that while the Mitzvoth must, indeed, be fulfilled unconditionally and without regard for reward, there are, inevitably various distractions and difficulties connected with the material aspects of the daily life. When such distractions are at a minimum; it requires no special effort to carry out the Mitzvoth fully and completely. But when material circumstances are not quite so satisfactory, though the same performance of the Mitzvoth is expected, it requires a greater effort, for it is obviously harder to concentrate on Torah and Mitzvoth when one has to overcome outside pressures.
Thus, G-d’s promise of the material rewards is not meant to provide the reason for keeping the Torah and Mitzvoth, but it a promise that where there is a firm resolve to walk in G-d's way and keep His Mitzvoth, He will make it easier by providing all material needs and reducing outside pressures to a minimum.
The above focuses immediate attention on the home and home atmosphere, which is largely the domain of the wife and mother, the Akeres Habayis.
Even when things seem to be not all that could be desired, or even if, G-d forbid, this is not just an imagination, it is largely up to the Akeres Habayis to ensure that the home should at all times be permeated with the light of Torah and Mitzvoth, in an atmosphere of peace and harmony and joy, for the benefit of the whole family, for it is in the home that the husband and children find comfort and inspiration to deal with the pressures outside the home - at business and in school.
And since this great privilege and responsibility have been given to the Akeres Habayis, it is certain that the ability has been given to her to carry this out fully, as it has also been given to the Jewish daughters who are preparing themselves to take their place as Akeres Habayis.
It is surely one of the functions of the Annual Convention to inspire all participants, and other Jewish mothers and daughters, to go from strength to strength in the said direction, and thus widen the channels to receive and enjoy G-d’s blessings in a generous measure, materially and spiritually.
With the approach of Shovuos, the Festival of Mattan Torah, I send each and all of you and yours prayerful wishes for a joyous and inspiring Yom Tov, and the traditional blessing to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.
With blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings,
/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/
