Pre-Redemption	Ultimate Mitzvah	Bring Light	Rebbe's Letter
When foretelling the events that will precede the redemption of the Jewish people, the Book of Daniel (12:1) relates: (continue…)	There is a Messianic aspect to the mitzvah of writing a Torah scroll. (continue…)	Every mitzvah brings more light and goodness to the world. (continue…)	This letter was written by the Rebbe after the Entebbe hijacking in July, 1976 (continue…)

 

When foretelling the events that will precede the redemption of the Jewish people, the Book of Daniel (12:1) relates: At that time, Michael, the great archangel, who supports the children of your people, will stand up. There shall be an unprecedented time of trouble for the nation… At that time, all your people who are written in the book will be delivered.

The commentaries explain that "all your people who are written in the book" refers to all those who have written or commissioned the writing of all or part of a Torah scroll.

There is a Messianic aspect to the mitzvah of writing a Torah scroll.

On the verse from liturgy, "I have redeemed you from this final [exile] as from the first," Ben Ish Chai writes that the redemption will come when emphasis is placed on the first mitzvah of the Torah, "Be fruitful and multiply," and the final mitzvah of the Torah, the composition of a Torah scroll.

Every mitzvah brings more light and goodness to the world.

Here is a starter's list:
Light Shabbat candles: illuminate the world with spirituality
Put on tefillin: strengthen the Jewish bond
Affix a mezuza: open the door to G-d's protection
Give to tzedaka-charity: fill the world with acts of kindness
Join a Torah class: discover the potential of humanity
Keep kosher: feed your soul
Mikvah - family purity: immerse youself in spirituality
For more mitzvah ideas, more information, or "how-to-mitzvahs," log on to www.askmoses.com for a one-on-one live session in Judaism.

This letter was written by the Rebbe after the Entebbe hijacking in July, 1976

By the Grace of G-d
Rosh Chodesh Elul, 5736
Brooklyn, N.Y.

To The Jewish Mothers and Daughters everywhere,
G-d bless you -

Blessing and Greeting:

In view of the recent events - the hijacking and saving of the hostages held in Uganda; and the subsequent attempt of the terrorists to perpetrate a vicious reprisal, G-d forbid, in Kushta (Istanbul),

It should be understood that these events are an indication that Jews must, at the earliest possible, strengthen all aspects of their security and defenses - first and foremost in their spiritual life, which is the channel to receive G-d's blessings also in the physical aspect, namely, to know the right ways and means that have to be undertaken in the natural order of things, and to fully succeed in these efforts, in accordance with the Divine promise, "G-d, your G-d, will bless you in all that you do" - to be protected and secured from enemies, and to be spared any undesirable happenings, G-d forbid.

The above events remind each and all of our Jewish brethren in general, and Jewish mothers and daughters in particular - since every married Jewish woman is called Akeres Habayis, "Foundation of the Home," and those not yet married are to be Akeres Habayis, for which they must prepare themselves from tender age - the following:

The present situation calls for the protection of every Jewish home. True protection is that which only G-d provides, as it is written, "G-d guards the city." To ensure this Divine guardianship, the home has to be conducted in all aspects according to G-d's will.

Then the home is also an abode for the Shechinah (G-d's Presence), in accordance with His promise, "I will dwell among them."

In addition to this, G-d has given our people a special gift wherewith to protect the home, namely, the Mitzvah of Mezuzah. Our Sages declare explicitly that "the home is protected by it (the Mezuzah)."

Moreover, this protection embraces the members of the household also when they go out of the house, as it is written, 'G-d will guard your going and your coming from now and forever.' It is further explained in our holy sources that the Divine Name (Shin-Dalet-Yud) written on the back of the sacred Mezuzah parchment spells out the words, "Shomer Dalsos Yisroel - Guardian of Jewish Doors."

Let it also be remembered that inasmuch as all Jews constitute one body, and are bound up with one another, every Mezuzah is a Divine protection not only for the individual home, with everybody and everything in it, but each additional kosher Mezuzah that is affixed on a doorpost of any Jewish home, anywhere, adds to the protection of all our people everywhere.

And considering - as mentioned above - that every Jewish housewife is an Akeres Habayis, and every Jewish girl a future Akeres Habayis, they have a special Zechus (merit) and responsibility in the matter of Mezuzah, to see to it that not only a kosher Mezuzah be affixed on every doorpost in their home that is required to have a Mezuzah, but that the same be done by their Jewish neighbors and friends, and in all Jewish homes.

I hope and pray that you will do this with inspiration and joy, which, in addition to increasing the Hatzlocho in this effort, will also inspire many others to do likewise, and the Zechus Horabim will further stand you in good stead.

The present time is particularly auspicious for this endeavor, as for endeavors in all matters of goodness and holiness, since we are in the beginning of the month of Elul - the month of spiritual stocktaking, to complete the deficiencies of the outgoing year and to prepare for the New Year, that it be a good and blessed year for each and all of us and for our Jewish people as a whole.

With esteem and blessing of Kesivo veChasimo Tovah,
(signature of the Rebbe)