Love and unity are the precondition to redemption; why different types of Jews identify with Lubavitch
By the Grace of G-d
15th of Av, 5744
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Merkos-Lubavitch Banquet Minneapolis, Mn.
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming Annual Banquet honoring U.S. Senator R. Boschwitz. It is certainly a worthy occasion for a worthy cause and for a well deserved tribute to a distinguished friend and supporter of Merkos-Lubavitch.
Everything, of course, takes place by Divine Providence, including the date of this letter, which also has a special relevance to the occasion.
Historically, the 15th of Av was associated with several important happy events for our Jewish people, which made this day an outstanding auspicious day in our Jewish calendar. One of the events associated with this day was the lifting of the ban that had precluded marriage between members of different Jewish tribes. The reason for the ban was to preclude the transfer of land inheritance from one tribe to another, so that each tribe would preserve its original territory which it had received at the time the land of Israel was subdivided among the Twelve Tribes of Israel. But then the cause of Ahavas Yisroel - love of unity among the Jewish people - outweighed and superseded the earlier consideration. Thus, the lifting of the ban - on the 15th of Av - added to the rejoicing and auspiciousness of this day.
There is surely no need to emphasize that no cause is more vital and more fundamental for our Jewish people than Ahavas Yisroel. The Mitzvo of V’Ohavto L’Reacho Komocho - love your fellow like yourself - is the Great Principle of our Torah, and never has this cause been more timely and more urgent than it is at present. Indeed, it is the precondition to the redemption of our people from the present Golus, to hasten the true and complete Geulo through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, as we have been assured in the prophecies of our great Prophet Yeshayahu, which we read during the current Seven Weeks of Consolation.
Ahavas Yisroel is not a mere sentiment; it is a concept. It has to be taught and cultivated from the very grass roots of Torah-Chinuch, Torah-true Jewish education.
Lubavitch has always placed a special emphasis on this fundamental concept and on its translation into personal everyday conduct. This is why Jews of all walks of life have been able to identify with the Lubavitch movement and with what it stands for.
I trust that this spirit will once again permeate the present Annual Banquet, and will inspire all participants and friends to even greater endeavors in support of the institutions and programs that are dedicated to the dissemination of the Torah and the strengthening of Torah-education in the fullest possible measure.
With prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho in all above, and With esteem and blessing
M. Schneerson
