This letter was addressed to R. Meir HaKohen Zarchi.

B”H, 9 Teves, 5711

This letter was addressed to R. Meir HaKohen Zarchi.

B”H, 9 Teves, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 10 Kislev: I derived pleasure from hearing of your positive activities in the field of kosher [Jewish] education. You will certainly reinforce these [efforts]. There is a well-known statement of our Sages:1 “Open [your [your hearts even no more than] an eye of a needle, and I will open them as wide as the opening to the Entrance Hall [of the Beis HaMikdash].” Through initial efforts as an arousal from below, one is helped very, very much [from Above, enabling] the activities to be successful and for one to see good fruit from his efforts.

As requested, I read the pan and the list that were enclosed in your letter at the gravesite of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, on the day beforeRosh Chodesh Teves. The “tzaddik who has departed and who is to be found in all the worlds more than during his lifetime”2 has certainly given his blessing, and G‑d will fulfill [that blessing] in material and spiritual matters....

I will conclude with my blessing for your son Shlomo upon his entry into cheder. May you raise him [and prepare him] for Torah study, marriage, and good deeds amidst prosperity, as explained in Chassidus. May there be fulfilled in him the words of our Sages in the Midrash Tanchuma, Parshas Kedoshim, [sec. 14,] on the verse:3 “And when you plant any fruit tree....” [In that passage, they explain] that [the verse] refers to a child.

[The following verse:] “In the fourth year, all of its produce will be sanctified,”4 [is interpreted to mean:] “His father sanctifies him for Torah study.”

[The passage continues:] “as praise to G‑d,”4 “from the time he praises G‑d.”

“In the fifth year, you may partake of its produce,”5 “From the time he begins studying the Torah.”

“To increase its crop for you,”5 “From here, our Sages6 derived that a child of five should [begin] studying Scripture.” See also the beginning of the Alter Rebbe’s Hilchos Talmud Torah and the maamar in Likkutei Torah7 based on this verse.

Enclosed is the kuntres for Chanukah8 and a relevant letter.9 Although it is slightly late, in truth, its content is relevant throughout the year.

With blessings for establishing yourself properly and that you will soon be able to share good news.

Menachem Schneerson