Don’t “Convert” to Lubavitch

A Letter of the Rebbe recently published in a teshurah tells a woman who had written to the Rebbe that she didn’t plan to “convert,” that a return to Yiddishkeit and to the teachings of Chassidus is nothing less than natural for a Jew, no matter how late in life.

London N.16. England

Blessing and Greetings:

Your letter of Sept. 5^th reached me with some delay, and I duly noted its contents.

To begin with the timely topic, I sent you and all yours prayerful wishes for a Chasima u’Gmar Chasimo Tovo, for a good and sweet year, materially and spiritually.

I must take exception to your remark that with all your admiration for the work of Lubavitch, you do not intend to “convert,” seemingly motivating it on the basis of your age. Speaking in a lighter vein, it is surprising that a lady should speak about her age in such terms, whereas according to the nature which G-d implanted in her, a woman should consider herself young and active regardless of what her birth certificate says.

In a more serious vein, I would like to point out that in matters connected with Yiddishkeit, and being active in such matters with vitality and enthusiasm, a Jew, man or woman, requires no “conversion” for it is a process of return to one’s essence and inward Jewish soul, in which every Jew has an inner urge to fulfill G-d’s will and request in all matters of Yididishkeit, especially in regard to the great Mitzvo of V’Ohavto L’Re’acho Komocho. If, for some reason, this activity has not been in the fullest measure in the past, it is certainly no reason for leaving it that way, for it is the purpose of every human being to grow not only physically, but also, and especially, spiritually.

I trust you will accept the above remarks in the spirit they have been offered, and the important thing is to do everything possible to strengthen and intensify Yiddishkeit, both in one’s immediate surroundings, as well as to the fullest extent of one’s ability, and to do it with the fullest measure of vitality and enthusiasm, as mentioned above.

With blessing,