'Letter of Redemption' Signed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Letter from the Admo"r Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch to Rabbi Dov. Sh. on the eve of Chag HaGeulah, 11 Tammuz, 1980. Brooklyn, New York.

This letter revolves entirely around topics of redemption and the Rebbe uses the root "גאל" ("redeem") three times in the letter. The letter was written, as mentioned, on the eve of Chag HaGeulah, 12-13 Tammuz - the celebration of the redemption of the Rebbe the Rayya"tz from prison, which is also the Rayya"tz's birthday. The Rebbe emphasizes in his letter that it is also 100 years since the birth of the 'Ba'al HaGeulah' and it appears that the Rebbe attributes special significance to this year. The Rebbe cites the Rayya"tz's words in his letter, "It was not only I who was redeemed ..." The intent of the Rayya"tz's famous words is that this day is not celebrated only on the occasion of his personal redemption from prison, but also as the day of the redemption of the holy Torah and its scholars. The Rebbe concludes his letter with a promise that at an "auspicious time" the request for blessing will be read at the grave site.

The days 12-13 Tammuz were established in all Chaba"d communities as Chag HaGeulah, during which Tachanun is not recited it is a day of farbrengin and strengthening of the study of Chassidism and wellsprings bursting forth. There is even a special melody composed in honor of Chag HaGeulah (melody 56 in Sefer HaNiggunim). The sounds of the melody express zeal for Hashem and His Torah, with the strength of faith fearless against all that prevents and hinders the path of Torah and its commandments.

The Admo"r Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson [1902-1994], seventh in the dynasty of the Admo"rs of Lubavitch, started serving as Admo"r in 1951 and continued until his passing. He was a tremendous gaon in all aspects of the Torah. His net was - and still is - cast across the entire world.

[1] leaf paper, approximately 14x22 cm. Typewritten, with the addition of one letter in the Rebbe's script, and with his signature.

Very fine condition: Filing perforations. Fold marks.