What Gift Did the Rebbe’s Father Give Him in 1934?

Just in time for the 90th anniversary of a special letter written to the Rebbe by his father R’ Levik, Shlomo Hamburger presents a clear copy translated and elucidated for all to study.

Twelve days ago, at a Shabbos Mevarchim fabrengen, Shlomo Hamburger made a resolution about a present for the Rebbe’s birthday. Hamburger, a retired lawyer living in Maryland, had been working (on and off) for over a year on a translation and explanation of a letter from the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, to the Rebbe written in 1934. He just could not finish the project.

Then, at the fabrengen, Hamburger realized that this year is the 90^th anniversary of the 1934 letter. With the Rebbe’s birthday fast approaching, Hamburger resolved that he would focus on finishing his translation and explanation in time for the Rebbe’s birthday on Yud Aleph Nissan. Juggling Pesach cleaning and preparations with late night research and writing, he was able to finish his translation and explanation in time.

This special letter addresses fascinating ideas about Purim and Pesach. In particular, for Pesach, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak explains the deep spiritual and kabbalistic significance of the middle matzah and four cups of wine at the seder. Learning this letter before Pesach can be another type of very special present for the Rebbe’s birthday. As the Rebbe wrote forty years ago, “It is my obligation and great zechus to suggest, request, etc., that everyone study from {my father’s} teachings.”

To learn the letter, click here.