The Previous Rebbe's defining traits: boundless Ahavas Yisroel and Mesiras Nefesh; reaching Jews near and far; a time for reflection.
By the Grace of G-d
10th of Shevat, 5747
Brooklyn, N.Y.
To All Participants in the Annual Banquet of Chabad of The Valley Encino, Ca.
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to be informed that this year’s annual event will take place on the 25th of the current month of Shevat. The time element is noteworthy, since this month is associated with the Yahrzeit anniversary of my father-in-law the Rebbe of saintly memory (on the 10th of Shevat, the date of this letter).
Chabad of the Valley, like all Chabad-Lubavitch institutions in this country, is part of the great heritage of the Baal HaHilulo since he transplanted the Chabad Headquarters on the American continent nearly half a century ago.
If one were to pinpoint two of the most characteristic features of the Baal HaHilulo, these would be his Ahavas Yisroel — his boundless love for all Jews, and his Mesiras Nefesh — self-sacrificing dedication to the preservation of our Jewish people in these most turbulent and critical times. Day-in, day-out, his utmost efforts and energies were focused on helping Jews, wherever they lived, near and far — near and far not only geographically but also spiritually: Those who were “near”— to bring them nearer still to HaShem and His Torah and Mitzvos; and those who were “far” Jewishly—to bring them ever closer to their Jewish roots, Jewish identity, and Torah-true Jewish experience.
For those who have the Zechus to have a worthy share in his ongoing institutions and programs, the Yahrzeit is a time of self reappraisal in terms of abovementioned two characteristics, which are indeed innate in every Jewish soul, but which have to be actualized and nurtured through consistent application in actual practice. Suffice it to reflect on the happy circumstance that Jews in this blessed country can carry on his work without having to face anything remotely resembling the difficulties and perils which he had to face from time to time and from place to place.
With prayerful wishes to each and all of you in all above, and With esteem and blessing,
M. Schneerson
