Letter to a Young Israel congregation honoring their rabbi; the Pesach seder's emphasis on youth; the goal of uplifting all four types of children to the level of the "wise son"; maintaining youthful enthusiasm in spreading Torah and Mitzvot
By the Grace of G-d
3rd of Nissan, 5723
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. ...
Young Israel of Eastern Parkway
935 Eastern Parkway.
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
Sholom u’Brocho:
Thank you very much for your letter of March 18th, with the most welcome news of the forthcoming presentation of life-tenure to your esteemed and distinguished spiritual leader, Rabbi Tzvi Dov Kanotopsky.
This event is very gratifying indeed, for not only is it a well-merited and worthy tribute to your esteemed rabbi, but it also does honor to the officers and membership of your congregation, who appreciate the qualities of leadership which distinguish your manhig ruchni. Outstanding among these is your rabbi’s dedicated and fruitful activity among the youth, which is of special concern to the Young Israel movement and prominent on its banner.
At this time, only a few days before Pesach, it is particularly relevant to mention that the Festival of our Liberation, and the seder especially, place the accent on youth. For, as is well known, the seder has many features for the special benefit of the Arbo’o Bonim, the four categories of children, all of whom are to be gathered around the seder table, so that all of them would be uplifted to the level of the “wise son.”
Needless to say, the message of Pesach must be carried into the everyday life. Indeed, the Haggadah declares, “In every generation it is incumbent upon every Jew to consider himself as though he himself has been liberated from Egypt.” To which the Old Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch and founder of Chabad, adds with characteristic emphasis: “In every generation - and every day” (Tanya, beg. of Chapter 47).
The accent of youth, which is one of the main features of Pesach, is further emphasized by the meaningful remark of our Sages that G-d appeared unto the children of Israel at the crossing of Yam Suf “in the image of youth.”
May G-d grant that with the advancement of age, each and everyone of us retain the energy and enthusiasm of youth in our efforts to spread and strengthen Torah-and-Mitzvoth Yiddishkeit.
With prayerful wishes for the success of your rabbi and congregation in your efforts in the said direction, in an ever-growing measure, and wishing you all a Kosher and inspiring Pesach.
With Blessing,
