From correspondence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
By the Grace of G-d 1st day of the Week of Vayero 5730 [November 2, 1969] Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
It is a Jewish custom to relate the events of the week to the weekly portion of the Torah, and thereby to derive true instruction from the Torah of Truth (“Torah” means “Instruction”).
This week’s Sedra tells us of the birth and upbringing of the first Jewish boy, born of Jewish parents, namely Yitzchok, the son of Abraham and Sarah, the first ancestor of our Jewish people.
The circumstances surrounding Yitzchok’s birth were supernatural and miraculous. His Bris (circumcision) took place when he was eight days old, and his upbringing was fraught with difficulties and trials.
Quite different was the case of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whose birth was quite normal, and who was circumcised when he was thirteen years old, i.e., at a mature age. Yet it was Yitzchok whom G-d chose to be Abraham’s true heir, from whom the Jewish people would descend.
Thus, the Torah teaches us that when new generations are to be born who are to ensure the Jewish continuity and future, the approach must not be based on natural considerations and human calculations. For Jewish existence is not dependent upon natural forces, but upon G-d’s direct intervention and providence.
Similarly, the education and upbringing of Jewish children is not to be determined by the same considerations and criteria as in the non-Jewish world. Jewish parents do not wait until the child becomes mature enough to determine his behavior and find his own way to Yiddishkeit. He is given the strongest and fullest possible measure of Jewish training from infancy.
Only in this way is it possible to ensure the “everlasting covenant” with G-d, to come through all difficulties and trials with strength, and endowed with G-d’s blessings materially and spiritually.
With Blessing,
By the Grace of G-d 12 Nissan, 5741 [April 16, 1981] Brooklyn, N.Y.
President Ronald Reagan The White House Washington
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you very much, dear Mr. President, for your good wishes on the occasion of my birthday.
As I noted in my remarks at the annual celebration last night, your kind and thoughtful congratulatory message is doubly reassuring. While all of us are still under impact of the recent trying days for you and the Nation, in connection with the demented attempt on your life (Heaven forfend!), it is remarkable, and most gratifying, that the President has been able to give personal attention also to matters which, under the circumstances, might have justifiably been postponed, or overlooked.
Your message, particularly in reference to the importance of emphasizing moral and ethical values in education, is as meaningful as it is timely. It is heartening to know that you, Mr. President, and your administration are committed to upgrading the education of all the citizens of this country.
Please be assured that we in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, along with all good citizens of this country, continue to pray for your rapid and complete recovery, and for your robust health consistently thereafter, so that you can carry out the awesome responsibilities of the President of this great and leading Nation in the world. In keeping with our basic belief that everything is by Divine Providence, how much more so being elected to the highest office in the land, we are convinced that G-d has endowed you with the capabilities and strength to carry out your G-d-given responsibilities in the fullest measure, with joy and gladness of heart.
There is no better way in which I can reciprocate your good wishes than by reiterating the Divine promise to our Patriarch Abraham, “I will bless them that bless thee” (Gen. 12:3). May you and the First Lady and all your family be blessed with all good from the Source of all blessings.
With utmost esteem and blessing, Cordially, M. Schneerson
