A compilation of the Rebbe’s teachings on the proper way to commemorate a tragedy, specifically on a Yom Tov.
A PRIMER FOR SHLUCHIM
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After the Yom Kippur War in 5734, spanning the months of Nissan to Tammuz, terrorists infiltrated Eretz Yisroel and killed ר”ל many Yidden. (See footnote for more information on the four main attacks.)
At that time, an urgent call from the Rebbe directed at all Jews was published that included an excerpt from a sichah (linked below). In this sichah, the Rebbe pointed out the importance of each and every Jew becoming actively involved in the five mivtzoim (that had been established at that point).
The Rebbe explained how these mivtzoim each have the unique power to protect Jews from harm. The Rebbe concluded the sichah by saying that a mitzvah done in one location protects not only the one who does it, but also all Jews wherever they are, even those who have not yet fulfilled the mitzvos!
See the sicha here
The four main attacks in 5734:
In the following English letter from Menachem Av 5740, the Rebbe discusses how we should not trust nor negotiate with the Arabs. The history of our people throughout the centuries has sufficiently confirmed the fact that Jewish survival does not depend on the goodwill of the nations of the world; rather, it is directly connected to our adherence to the Torah and its mitzvos.
…Now with reference to the present situation of Eretz Yisrael vis-a-vis the Arabs, it is surely quite evident that the chances of making peace with the Arabs on any terms but their own are very slim, for they demand everything and are willing to give nothing in return.
If, at some time in the past, there may have been some hope that the Arabs would accept a compromise for the sake of peace, it is now quite clear that there is no such prospect, inasmuch as they no longer hide or disguise their demands. Worse still, in light of the international situation, there is no reason to expect them to modify their demands.
There is no need to go into detail here, but it is clear that in the natural order of things, the prospects for peace are, as mentioned, very slim.
On the other hand, since the history of our people throughout the ages has provided ample confirmation of the fact that Jewish survival does not depend on the good graces of the nations of the world but, as already mentioned, is linked to our adherence to the Torah and mitzvot for it is in this way that our Jewish people draws its strength from a Source that is supernatural – we therefore have to do everything in our power to strengthen that link.
And this is where every Jew can do his share in a very practical and effective way, that is, by spreading and strengthening Yiddishkeit, Torah and mitzvot, to the fullest extent of his or her ability.
Again, in order to be most practical – there is no need for grandiose schemes, but let everyone do his or her part, in one’s own family and one’s immediate circle, step by step, both by example and by precept, for we have the assurance that “Words from the heart enter the heart and eventually have an effect.”
In this connection, it is also well to bear in mind the ruling, (not simply the idea), of the Rambam to the effect that a person should consider himself, as well as the whole world, to be in a state of equilibrium, so that one good action tips the scale in his favor, and in favor of the whole world.
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