Skip to content

The Rebbetzin...

Lebin mit Moshiach | April 05, 2024

She did her avodah with mesiras nefesh (self sacrifice). This was the emphasis in her upbringing and education: mesirus nefesh, which completely permeated her.

This should be an inspiration to us, we should learn from her conduct and live in her spirit, to emulate her mesirus nefesh in our daily lives, in all aspects of Torah and mitzvos: to establish shiurim in Chassidus and nigleh, especially in those places that don't yet have shiurim; to strengthen existing shiurim, including also topics which arouse to Yiras Shomayim (fear of G-d), especially to avodas ha'tefilah (prayer), performance of mitzvos including tzedakah.

Especially naming children with her name and bringing them up in her spirit, which adds life, vitality and long, healthy good years.

(Sefer HaSichos - 22 Shevat 5749 p. 236)

The source of the name "Mushka" is in the gemara (Berachos 43a) referring to the fragrance "mushk" (the Rif and Rabbeinu Yonah refer to it as "Mushka").

The Rambam and other commentaries say that "mushk" is the translation of "mor dror" (wild (distilled) myrrh – musk) one of the ingredients of the ketores which is mentioned in Tissa 30:23).

Many women's names (in Hebrew and other languages) are names of flowers and other fragrances. The name Mushka was given originally as the name of the fragrance.

The Alter Rebbe explains in Torah Ohr the spiritual avodah symbolized by the Moir is "is'hapcha" (transformation to the good).

(Sefer HaSichos 5750 p. 297)

PDF Preview