By the Grace of G‑d
Chanukah, 5727 [December, 1966]
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Blessing and Greeting:
I am in receipt of your letter, and I hasten my reply as requested, and because time is of the essence in this case.
You write that you would like to use some of the published Nigunim of Chabad at your forthcoming marriage, and ask my opinion about it.
My reply is as follows: There could be an advantage, or otherwise, in using these Nigunim, depending on circumstances (a) or (b).
(a) If - as is expected of every Jewish girl and boy who are about to be married - the marriage is entered into with a firm resolution to establish a truly Jewish home, on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvoth, and, likewise of course, the preparations before the wedding are also as they should, with the observance of the laws and regulations of Taharas Hamishpocho (which an orthodox Rabbi has no doubt explained to you), and the Chuppah and Kiddushin is carried out by an orthodox Rabbi with orthodox witnesses, etc. - then the use of the Lubavitcher Nigunim would not only be appropriate, but also desirable and auspicious. For a Nigun is closely linked with the soul of its author and those who have used it on sacred occasions (which is also the reason for the above mentioned condition that everything connected with the wedding should be according to the Torah, sine the Torah was their whole life and ideal).
(b) On the other hand, if, G‑d forbid, there is a deficiency in the above condition from the viewpoint of the Torah and Shulchan Aruch, the inference is obvious. However, I do not wish to dwell on this, since I feel certain that, judging by your letter, everything is in accordance with the Torah and Shulchan Aruch, and, moreover, that there is a consistent effort to advance in all matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, in accordance with the principle that all things of holiness should be on the ascendancy, as also indicated by the message of the Chanukah lights which are kindled in increasing numbers.
On the basis of this firm belief, I extend to you and your Chosson my prayerful wishes that the marriage take place in a happy and auspicious hour, and that you should both build a Binyan adei ad.
With the blessing of Mazzal Tov, Mazzal Tov
Start a Discussion