We hereby present Issue 76 of Rebbe Responsa, a compilation of letters originally authored by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in English. In connection with Parshas Bereishis and the story of Creation, the booklet is themed Creation and the Age of The World.
In modern times, many Jewish people, scientists and laypeople alike, have struggled with their belief in the true account of Creation as described in the Torah, and its correlation to prevailing scientific theories and presumptions. The question was posed to the Rebbe numerous times, with equally numerous letters written in reply.
Here we publish a letter, written in 5722, which was circulated at the time as the Rebbe's official response, together with a follow-up correspondence. When published, at a time when the difficulty of Torah vs. Science was being very strongly felt, especially amongst young American Jews who were attending University and the like, this letter received much attention.
As can be seen from the Press Release from Lubavitch News Service (published in the Addendum), and the fact that the Rebbe chose to enclose this letter to others that raised this question.
See Rebbe Responsa App, tag “Evolution”, especially letters listed in footnote 3.
It also led to various follow-up correspondence with the Rebbe, including questions and comments. We have included one of these, consisting of a letter of critique, and the Rebbe’s two separate letters of response, one strictly scientific and objective, and the other more personally directed. All titles, summaries, and footnotes were added by the publishers. Each letter’s source is indicated in a footnote.
We take this opportunity to turn to our readers and ask anyone who may have English letters from the Rebbe in their possession to kindly consider sharing them with us, thereby enabling countless individuals around the world to benefit from the timeless wisdom and counsel they contain.
The Rebbe’s English letters contain a wealth of guidance and insight on a vast array of topics written in a style relatable to Jews from all walks of life. For access to over 5,000 of these letters, we encourage you to download the Rebbe Responsa app.
May we merit the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.
The Rebbe Responsa Team
See letters dated 14 Nissan, 5722, 15 Elul, 5724, and a non-dated letter published in The Letter and the Spirit, vol.6, p.260. For more letters that discuss the subject of the age of the universe see letters dated Rosh Chodesh Sivan, 5721, 29 Tishrei, 5722, 3 Teves, 5726, 18 Adar II, 5733 (which also discusses the letter at hand), 1 Shevat, 5738, 14 Elul, 5739, 6 Cheshvan, 5741.
