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המעשה
הוא העיקר
HaMaaseh
Hu HaIkar
538 Crown Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Tel: (718) 363-3448 Ÿ Fax: (718) 467-6919
e-mail: info@iChossid.com
We are pleased to bring you this newly revised
edition of a Call to Action.
Translated from its Hebrew counterpart, HaMaaseh
Hu HaIkar, this
presentation is a collection of practical instruction from the Rebbes Sichos pertaining
to the 5th of Teves.
HaMaaseh Hu HaIkar is a compilation of Horaos (directives) culled from the Rebbes talks in the years 5748 to 5752 (1988-1992), from both edited and unedited sources (Muga and Bilti Muga); we have expended great effort in our attempt to capture some of the Rebbes carefully calculated and instructive phrasing. This editions English translation was provided by Rabbi Yaakov Paley.
At this time, when Moshiachs arrival is imminent, the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, has emphasized the primacy of action. We are now beginning to experience the era when we will fully appreciate the superiority of deed above scholarship. May this take place completely and immediately!
Editorial Office of
HaMaaseh Hu HaIkar
Hei Teves, 5768
Table of Contents - The 5th of Teves
The Library / Challenge / Verdict / Victory / The challenge is not over / Recall the events / True victory: study more Torah / More Shiurim / Mishnah, Halacha, Chassidus / Live what you learn / Promote Torah study / Chumash, Siddur, Tehilim, Tanya in every home / Books on practical law / A home filled with Sefarim / In the kids room / Let them use it till its worn / Buy new or fix old / Bookstore discounts / Rescue books from retailers / Hurry / Subscribe / Publicize / Books as wedding gifts / Give a book / Open lending libraries / Send your sefer to the Chabad Library / All books / Thanks in advance / How to avoid fear of overuse
Didan Natzach!1
Victory of the Chabad Books
The library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad-Lubavitch was founded and greatly expanded by the Previous Rebbe, while he was still in Russia. As the head of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Previous Rebbe was also the director of the Library.
However, upon gaining permission to leave Russia, he was informed that the library would have to remain behind. He risked his freedom and his life by refusing to leave without the library, with the result that he was permitted to take many of the books with him to America.
After his passing, a family member claimed the right to inherit his possessions and he removed many books from the Lubavich Library an activity which greatly disturbed the Rebbe.
The Rebbe was visibly grieved and verbally expressed his great pain by this challenge to the Previous Rebbes continued presence among us and his sustained authority; and by extension, to the Chabad Library and the movement itself.
The Rebbe applied and received permission from the Rabbinical Court to challenge the family members claim in Federal Court. The courtcase began on 19th of Kislev 5746 (1985).
On the 5th of Teves 5747 (1987), the Federal Court gave its verdict in favor of the Rebbe, declaring that there is no inheritance of the Previous Rebbe to speak of; the Library continues to belong to and serve the Chabad Chassidim.
This verdict gave the Rebbe tremendous joy[1]; he delivered celebratory addresses during the following seven days of festive thanksgiving.
The victory and redemption of the books that occurred on the 5th of Teves, constitutes a victory and redemption for all of Torah Judaism!
In particular, this is a victory for the continued and expanded activities to disseminate Torah, Judaism and Chassidus including the Chassidic teachings of the Previous Rebbe, Leader of our Generation in an ever-increasing manner.[2]
It allows for dissemination in a manner that overpowers all obstacles and adversaries in a peaceful and pleasant manner; as it is expressed in Psalms, Padah BeShalom Nafshi Ki BeRabim Hayu Imadi, He has redeemed my soul in peace from impending battle, though with many they were against me. This verse refers to the rebel soldiers of Avshaloms forces, who although commanded to pursue King David and his men, nevertheless prayed for Davids welfare
It is interesting to note that here, in reference to the 5th of Teves, the Rebbe quoted the exact same verse as the previous Chabad Rebbes had used to express their personal liberations and public vindications.
Further, just as previous Rebbes have placed great significance in the fact that their outstanding vindications were accomplished before the eyes of the nations and with their assistance, the Rebbe likewise summarized the victory of the books as our being openly victorious before the eyes of the nations and in their Courts.
There are still, however, many sacred books and manuscripts belonging to the Chabad Rebbes that languish in Russian captivity to this day. They represent the final sparks of holiness that remain trapped in this world, and which still require liberation. The Rebbe requested that we work towards their restoration.
· This date is recalled[3] and re-enacted each year; through recalling the original events, we cause their re-enactment, generating anew a propitious day that is graced with special divine favor regarding everything that is associated with the victory of the books.[4]
True victory: study more Torah
· From now on, we should with every-greater vigor bolster and add to the study of Torah.
That is the measuring rod by which to gauge the true victory of the books and to determine that Didan - deHaSefarim - Natzach, Our side, i.e., the side of the books themselves, won![5]
· We should implement the victory on a practical level, by increasing our Shiurim (study sessions) especially public sessions that allow the participants to discuss and clarify the topics being studied.[6]
· We should study Mishnah, as well as the Sefarim (sacred texts) that were redeemed[7], giving foremost attention to subjects that will lead to positive action.
· For that reason, we should study laws[8] from Rambam, the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries and so forth, which discuss the detailed observance of the Mitzvos.
· We should also study Chassidus, which enables us to properly observe those commandments that are obligatory every moment of our lives, namely, to have faith, love and awe of Hashem.[9]
· The main thing is for our study to totally permeate our entire existence so that it becomes woven into the very fabric of our every limb, from head to heel and that we place all the vitality and enthusiasm we possess into our study.[10]
· In accordance with the commandment indeed, the golden principle of the Torah that is described as Torahs essential theme, upon which the rest is mere commentary to Love your fellow Jew as yourself, we should stir the Jewish public to increase their Torah study as well.10
Chumash, Siddur, Tehilim, Tanya in every home
· Each and every Jew should have the texts that constitute the foundation of Judaism in their private homes[11] including in their dining room.[12]
· In addition to a Chumash, they should have a Siddur and Tehilim; in a Chassidisher home, there should also be a Tanya and the like.[13]
· Every house should contain Halachic text explaining the laws that we are required to observe on a daily basis; these laws should be studied regularly, so that everyone is aware of what must actually be done.13
· When a bride and groom prepare to create a Jewish home, then together with arranging basic household items, furnishing and utilities, they should also ensure that their home contains Torah texts that they will study there. Indeed, this should be their primary concern; let it be a house filled with Sefarim![14]
· As soon as each boy or girl begins to understand and speak, they should be given their own books, such as a Siddur, Chumash, Tehilim and a small Tanya[15]. These texts should be become the childs personal property and responsibility, and should be placed in their rooms.[16]
· We should assure our children that they may use these books as much as they want; they should not worry that the texts may become dirty or torn, because we guarantee to buy them new and nicer ones.[17] This concern should not even apply to infants, despite the fact that they are more likely to tear the pages.[18]
· In 5749 (1989), the Rebbe added an extra dollar to his customary distribution of dollars for Tzedakah. This addition was meant as a means of his participation in our acquiring of new Torah texts, fixing worn texts, or donating to a fellow Jew so that they will be able to purchase or fix their Sefarim.
· As the Rebbe then explained, this especially concerned Chassidic texts, as per the recent custom of striving to acquire manuscripts or published works of Chassidus.[19]
· In order to make it easier for people to purchase Torah texts and actually study them the Rebbe proposed that we negotiate with all publishers and booksellers, encouraging them to announce special discounts on books covering every area of Torah.[20]
· Each of us is able to hasten the redemption of those texts that are yet languishing in Russian captivity; we accomplish this by redeeming texts that are presently within our reach: Purchase[21] new[22] books and manuscripts in addition to those you already own and bring them home or donate them to a library and so forth.[23]
· The sooner this is done, the better; we should begin immediately by making resolutions in this regard, and then implementing them at the very first opportunity.[24]
· In addition to buying printed publications, we should also subscribe and pre-pay for books that will be published in the future; this way, we will receive new books as soon as they are published.24
· In addition to expanding our private libraries, we should also publicize this drive and its great importance to all around us.[25]
· There is a widespread custom to provide a bride and groom with Torah texts traditionally, a set of Talmud for the groom and a Siddur with translation and instructions for the bride.
Nowadays, however, women are well versed in the basics of Judaism and have no need for such as gift; instead, we should provide them with books on Halachah pertaining to the conduct of a household books that are written clearly and concisely, either in Hebrew or translated. The more books we give, the better![26]
· It is fitting and correct to fully utilize the custom of giving books as gifts; this custom should be expanded to include young children. Books should be given on joyous occasions, before Yom Tov and so on.[27]
· For the sake of the public, we should put extra effort the creation of Torah libraries that will include books on every area of Torah.
· We should arrange for such libraries wherever there is (or there will be) a Jewish community center; a place of Torah study, Prayer, Tzedakah and the like. And those libraries that already exist should now be expanded.[28]
Send your sefer to the Chabad Library
· We respectfully request all Rabbis, authors and publishers, to donate a copy of their works to the central library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Lubavitch, in order to expand its collection.[29]
· We also request book-collectors who own unique texts, rare printings, family heirlooms and the like which they do not require for the sake of study and so forth to donate them to the Agudas Chassidei Chabad-Lubavitch Library, for the good of the public.29
· The above request concerns books on every area in Torah, and indeed, books and periodicals on all subjects[30] even those which oppose Torah; there is an occasional need to peruse those publications as well, in compliance with the directive Know what to reply to a heretic.[31]
· We hereby extend in advance our thanks, which is the thanks of the entire public, to all who donate texts to the Chabad Library; please do not expect a formal thank-you letter, for there is simply insufficient time to reply and personally thank each person on an individual basis.[32]
· If you are concerned that by using your Torah texts they will become worn out, here is a simple solution: Purchase two of each book! That way, you will be able to preserve their appearance...[33]
מוקדש לכ"ק אדמו"ר מלך המשיח
יחי
אדוננו מורנו
ורבינו מלך
המשיח לעולם
ועד
[1]. A Teves Chanukah miracle
[The Rebbe compared this victory to the victory of Chanukah; he pointing out that both festivals were established as a time of celebration only on their first anniversary; he also referred to the celebration of Hei Teves as publicizing the miracle of the redemption from captivity.
Good vs. Evil
Before the verdict was given in Federal Court, the Rebbe compared the proceedings to a story that appears in Vayikrah Rabbah (ch.24, p.3. See 12th Teves 5747), where the Jews help to bring a struggle between holy and evil forces to a positive conclusion by crying out Didan Natzach, Our [side] is victorious!
Victory permeated nature
Further, following the Courts verdict, celebrations erupted immediately and continued uninterrupted for the next seven days; this, the Rebbe stated, was in order to encompass the entire natural cycle a full seven days in the victory. (The festivities continued until the 12th of Teves). See Parshas Vayigash, Hei Teves 5748, p.164.]
[2]. Present and active
Our Sages tell us that Yaakov Aveinu did not die rather, just as his descendants are alive, so is he alive. Likewise, [they state regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, Moshe did not die, but rather] just as he stood and served Jewry then, so does he stand and serve them now. The same applies to the Previous Rebbe. (ibid.)
[3]. Publicize the miracle
We will begin by discussing a timely topic the victory of the books as has already been announced with full publicity, which constitutes Pirsumei Nisa, our obligation to publicizing the miracle.
[4]. Utilize the special day
Today is a propitious day and a time of divine favor (Yom Segulah VeEis Ratzon) and we have announced that there will then be a Chassidisher Farbrengen in honor of the books.
May it be G-ds Will that this day will be utilized in a fitting and most complete manner. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.164-165 and 174)
Judaism won
Since we are dealing with a library of international scale that constitutes a vast treasure-house for all of Torah Judaism, it is clear that the victory and redemption of the texts that occurred on the 5th of Teves is in fact a victory and liberation for all of Torah Judaism. (ibid, p.164)
From here to Moshiach
The victory of the 5th of Teves is associated with the concept of redemption; in this case, the redemption of the sacred writings of the Chabad Rebbes.
Further, inseparable from this redemption is the aspect of prayer and requesting for the release of the remaining sacred texts; we longingly anticipate their return. Most importantly, we pray for the collective redemption of all Jewry the true and complete Redemption. (Eve of Hei Teves 5752; Hisvaaduyos p.61)
[5]. Best books are worn books
A Torah scroll itself [by its extreme conciseness] emphasizes that its state of perfection is attained only through exerting ourselves in the study of other sacred texts [that expound the Torahs meaning]; we in fact use such books to this end on a daily basis.
What, in Torahs view, constitutes the books true victory? It is certainly not a state where they will henceforth be guarded with the greatest of honor, so that no-one dare touch them like a Torah scroll that is kept locked up in an ark
Quite the opposite: The more we use them for actual study, the greater is their honor even if the books become worn and torn from extreme use.
This way, we are also honoring and completing the purpose of the Torah scroll that we must keep looked away in an ark; for its main purpose and goal is that its contents will be studied properly until its message is fluent in the mouths of all Jews. This goal can only be attained by actually studying the printed texts.
In our case, the texts themselves announce that their perfection and purpose and as a result, their honor is only realized through their being studied, even at the expense of their physical perfection, i.e., they may become worn and ripped from constant study. (ibid, p.168)
[6]. Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.168.
The power of discussion
Our Sages tell us that the Torah can only be acquired in a study group and not in manner where each one sits in solitude and studies Torah [in which case] they grow foolish. See the end of Tractate Berachos and the Alter Rebbes Shulchan Aruch (Hilchos Talmud Torah, Chapter 4, Law 10). (ibid, footnote 45)
[7]. Study Mishnah
Hei Teves should cause a bolstering and increase in the study of Torah texts; beginning with the very first text of the Oral Torah, namely, the Mishnah.
[As the Rambam writes in his Introduction, From the days of Moshe Rabbeinu until Rabbeinu HaKadosh, there was never a composition from which the Oral Torah was taught to the public He (Rabbeinu Hakadosh) then collected all of the discussions and laws and compiled them all into [what is known as] the Mishnah. footnote 13]
Their freedom is ours
We can now further appreciate how the books release leads to the collective release of all Jewry, the ultimate Redemption; as it is written explicitly, Tziyon (the Jews) will be redeemed with Mishpat (justice; a reference to Torah study).
In other words, specifically through studying Torah, an activity which expresses the books true victory and redemption, we affect the release of Tziyon, the Jewish people; especially when we study Mishnah as our Sages state, The exiles will be ingathered only in the merit of the study of Mishnah.
[See there, footnote 15, quoting the Alter Rebbe, who rules that nowadays, even the study of the laws set down by the Tur and Shulchan Aruch is considered the study of Mishnah. The Rebbe adds that the Mishnahs redemptive power extends to the study of these works as well.]
Torah studys redemptive quality is further emphasized when we study the texts which were redeemed on Hei Teves. [Even the ingathering of the exiles that is accomplished through the study of Mishnah, is further emphasized by specifically using copies of Mishnah (and other Halachic works) from among the books that were released on Hei Teves.
After all, the redemptive quality of studying Mishnah is due to its elevation of the divine sparks that are scattered throughout Creation. Further, as we discussed earlier, through redeeming Torah books, their ability to liberate the sparks is likewise increased. footnote 18]
Our very act of making a resolution in this regard when Hashem sees that the resolutions are truthful and will certainly be kept generates this redemptive power; it is as if the books have actually been studied. [The resolutions will be kept; especially since they are being made in [770] a sacred location and a threefold structure: a house of prayer, Torah and good deeds. footnote 21] (Eve of Hei Teves 5752; Hisvaaduyos p.60)
[8]. [As explained in the previous footnote.]
[9]. As it is written, Know the G-d of your fathers and serve him with a complete heart. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.168)
[10]. Just think about it
As our Sages state, Just as there [by the Giving of the Torah] we experienced awe, fear, trembling and perspiration, here, too, [when studying the Torah nowadays] we should experience [the same]. In other words, the Torah study of every Jew in every era (including times of Exile and even the redoubled darkness of this final Exile) is considered to be the actual words of Hashem that were spoken to Moshe on Mt. Sinai it as if he had accepted it this very day at Mount Sinai. The same concept is emphasized in the text of the daily blessing that we recite over the Torah, Who gives us His Torah in the present tense! (ibid, p.168-169)
[11]. Equivalent to personally writing a Torah scroll
This day is synonymous with Torah books. It is therefore the proper occasion to once again mention the great virtue of Torah texts:
It is explained in the Halachic writings, particularly those of the Rosh [See Lekutei Sichos, vol.23, p.17 and onward] that nowadays, purchasing Torah texts is a means of fulfilling the Biblical commandment that each Jew write his own Torah scroll.
Further, according to most methods of listing the Torahs commandments, writing a personal Torah scroll is the very last of the 613 commandments; and since every aspect of Torah contains the utmost precision particularly matters that appear at the very opening or conclusion of the entire Torah we could readily appreciate the great virtue of this commandment being placed as it was, at the conclusion of all the commandments.
Even according to the opinions that differ and hold that purchasing Torah texts is not included in the Biblical commandment, it is nevertheless in their opinion a Rabbinic commandment. And Hashem tells us that the words of the Rabbis are more precious to Him; their neglect is also considered more severe.
It follows, that according to all opinions, the purchasing of Torah texts is uniquely important.
In fact, by purchasing them, we attain both virtues the virtue of a Biblical command (in accordance with the Rosh) coupled with the quality of a Rabbinic commandment (according to the alternative views).
This could be applied to all sacred texts and in particular to texts discussing the inner dimension of Torahs teachings; they all contain the power of holy writings. (Night after Hei Teves 5749; Hisvaaduyos p.103)
[12]. Practical considerations
This is because we are required to speak words of Torah during mealtimes; further, if any questions come up, the necessary books will be on hand for immediate consultation. (Parshas Vayigash 5751; Hisvaaduyos p.103)
[13]. Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.171.
[14]. Stock your shelves with sages
This includes the interpretation that our entire home along with all of its furnishings and appliances should become permeated with the content of the Torah texts; or, as the Sages state, Let your home become a gathering place for sages. (ibid, p.171-172)
Books first
It is stated in this weeks Torah portion, [Yaakov] sent Yehudah before him to Goshen; our Sages explain that this indicates that Yaakov sent Yehudah in order to establish a House of Study there, from which Halachic instruction will issue forth. In other words, before settling in any given location, we should first establish a House of Study from which instruction may issue forth. On a personal level, this entails making our home into a House of Study and a gathering place for sages. (ibid, footnote 84)
When do you stop?
In the expression a home filled with Torah texts, we should underscore the word filled; the true meaning of filled means that it cannot contain anything else there is simply no room for more. Otherwise, it cannot truly be full.
As far as we are concerned, as long as there exists in the world, any Torah text that bears relevance to us but has not yet reached our hands, then we cannot consider ourselves as owing a home filed with Torah texts in the true sense of the word. And since we tell one who began a Mitzvah to complete it, we should continue in this activity until it is truly and fully completed. (Parshas Vayigash 5751; Hisvaaduyos p.103)
[15]. 22nd of Shevat 5752; Hisvaaduyos p.265.
[16]. Mini-Temple
Which they will undoubtedly turn into a room of Torah and Prayer by actually studying and praying there; and likewise a room of Tzedakah by keeping a Tzedakah-box there and putting Tzedakah into it daily. We have often discussed how each individual house and room should be transformed into a place of Torah, Prayer and Tzedakah, in fulfillment of the command Make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among you [each house and room] being a sort of miniature sanctuary. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.172)
Particularly, as of late, the custom has been that even children are given their own Torah texts (and are not merely provided with physical food and clothing); this adds a strength and pleasantness to their lives. (Motzei Hei Teves 5749; Hisvaaduyos p.103)
[17]. Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.172-173.
[18]. Let them jump on Me
Regarding the verse (Shir Hashirim 2:4), His encampments (Diglu) upon me are love, our Sages state, Even when a Jewish infant [is innocently toying with a Torah text and unknowingly] jumps (Daleg) on the written Name of Hashem His jumping upon Me is lovely!
Why is that? Because the entire purpose of Torah is for the sake of the Jews as is clearly seen in the fact that the Torah consistently precedes its laws with, Command the Children of Israel, etc., Speak to the Children of Israel and so forth. (ibid, footnote 89)
[19]. The extra dollar
In keeping with the recent custom to make an association between the distribution of Tzedakah and other matters, we will now connect the theme of the Torah texts [that we have just discussed] with the actual giving of Tzedakah.
However, we will introduce an innovation to the regular practice: Until now [I] have concluded our Farbrengens by distributing one dollar bill to each man, woman and child, for the purpose of giving to Tzedakah; now, though, [I] will give an extra dollar as [my] participation in the purchasing of new Sefarim to purchase Chassidic texts, either handwritten or printed (specifically purchasing these texts as opposed to merely studying their content and recalling the information by heart). (Motzei Hei Teves 5749; Hisvaaduyos p.103-104)
We will now make each person a Shaliach-Mitzvah (an agent to fulfill a Mitzvah); in this case, for the purpose of giving Tzedakah; we will distribute two bills: One to do with as you see fit, and the second for Tzedakah. (Eve of Hei Teves 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.477-479)
[20]. Discount on special dates
Booksellers and publishers should announce a special discount on the Shulchan Aruch and other works of the Beis Yosef in commemoration of five hundred years from his birth in order to make it easier for people and to encourage them to acquire Torah texts, and to actually study them.
Since one Mitzvah leads to another, they should announce a special discount on all Torah texts, covering every area of Torah, in connection with the Hakhel year. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.171)
[21]. Why charge for Torah?
According to custom, the acquisition of Torah books or manuscripts should specifically be done through actual payment; this way, the purchaser will value the Sefer after all, he paid for it
Nothing is for nothing
The Previous Rebbe would publish Kuntreisim (pamphlets) from time to time and had instructed that the price should be printed on their covers I once asked him why it was necessary to put the price on the cover is it not enough that a price is quoted and demanded [when one purchases the pamphlet]?!
The Previous Rebbe answered me, [Yiddish:] As min hat tzu tan mitten olam since we are engaging and dealing with the world [and the Hebrew term for world (Olam) stems etymologically] from the phrase Helem VeHester, a concealment [of G-dliness and true purpose] it is therefore necessary to negate any concerns that are likely to arise from the worlds distorting tendencies.
And since our Sages state, A physician who heals for nothing (without accepting payment) is worth nothing, we could well apply their teaching to our own case: Torah brings healing to the world. If these Kuntreisim were to be acquired freely, for nothing, then despite their bringing healing to the world, one might conclude that they are worth nothing. We are required to negate such a misconception, to the extent of printing the price on the front cover.
[Notably, that concerned only the printing of an official price.] However, it did not matter what price is actually paid sometimes actual payment was an indispensable requirement (Parshas Vayigash 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.488)
[22]. Never enough
Each of us should resolve immediately, right now, whilst it is yet Shabbos, to increase the amount of Sefarim we own. We should not make do with the books that we purchased on the afternoon of Erev Shabbos, nor with the amount of books we possessed on Erev Shabbos right before candle-lighting and not even with those extra books that we acquired in a permissible manner during Shabbos itself, e.g., by receiving a gift and the like. Rather, we should collect more and more Sefarim. (Parshas Vayigash 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.487)
[23]. Hisvaaduyos 5752, p.75.
The value of each additional book
This is the practical instruction that is to be taken from our Farbrengen: Each of us should acquire additional books. We can readily see for ourselves how each new text that we study facilitates better comprehension of all other texts. At the very least, it improves our intellectual capabilities.
Real books
We should not make do with the new material that is printed weekly containing either new material (e.g., a new Kuntres, etc.) or merely reprinted material. Rather, we should acquire additional books and manuscripts beyond these weekly publications.
The awareness of this campaign will serve to encourage publishers, for they now know that their books are reaching a wider Jewish audience. (ibid, Sichos Kodesh, p.487-488)
[24]. Parshas Vayigash 5752; Hisvaaduyos p.76.
[25]. Parshas Vayigash 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.489.
[26]. Give proper Sefarim
Such as Siddur Karban Minchah a Siddur with translation, which includes many laws that are important for women to know, all in the language of their vernacular.
Nowadays, however, women are well educated and knowledgeable, and they no longer require a translation of the Hebrew. In fact, they may well be embarrassed by such a gift. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.172)
[27]. Parshas Vayigash 5752; Hisvaaduyos p.76.
Give generously
It is customary to present a gift books or manuscripts of Chassidus, texts that have already been published and are now being re-printed or works that are now being published for the first time. We should give them generously to everyone men, women and children, and even infants We should distribute Sefarim in a generous manner. (Parshas Vayigash 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.487)
[28]. In addition to books that are indispensable, such as a Siddur, Chumash, Tehilim and so forth. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.173)
Note the teaching of our Sages (Kesuvos 50a), The verse, His righteousness stands forever, refers to one who writes books and then lends them to others. (ibid, footnote 90)
[29]. In keeping with the request issued on the instruction of the founder and director of the Library, namely, the Previous Rebbe; this occurred following the Librarys move to America. For one example among many, see Igros Kodesh, Admur Maharayatz, vol.11, p.395. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.173)
[30]. Even these books can add to our divine service; as the Mishnah teaches, All that Hashem created in His world, He created for His glory. (ibid.)
[31]. Dont try this at home
It is only that the use of these types of books is restricted to those who are able to utilize them in the proper manner, i.e., they know how to use them for the service of Hashem and His Torah. (Parshas Vayigash 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.173)
The Previous Rebbe was indeed asked about this, when it was discovered that his library included these sorts of books; seemingly, they involve the prohibition of Avodah Zarah (idol worship)... If so, these books fall under the command, You must utterly detest and loathe it (Devarim 7:26). Nevertheless, even these books are necessary for advancing the cause of holiness, by allowing us to fulfill the directive Know what to answer a heretic (Apikorus), as discussed on a number of occasions. (Parshas Vayigash 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.489)
[32]. The Rebbe accepts your gift
Note that the donation of Sefarim and the like to a prestigious Library is in some ways similar to the Talmudic law regarding Kidushin (betrothal); When the case [of betrothal] involves an important personality, then [although the man proposing is normally required to give the woman a gift bearing monetary value, here, however,] from the very pleasure that the woman derives from the fact that this important figure has accepted her gift, she completely cedes herself to him. (ibid.)
[33]. Parshas Mikeitz,
Zos Chanukah, 5750; Hisvaaduyos p.90.