Rabbi Lazar Urges Shluchim to Make a ‘Trask’ for Torah Learning

Marking forty years since a special instruction by the Rebbe to make a ruckus (“trask”) about the need for every Yid to have at least one regular shiur in Torah, Rabbi Berel Lazar urged all shluchim in Russia to implement this instruction in their communities.

At the conclusion of the abundant month of Tishrei, following everyone’s tremendous efforts throughout the Yomim Tovim, and as we stand at the time of ‘V’Yaakov halach l’darko‘ – this is the moment for ‘ascending in holiness,’ to take all the strength and influences from this month’s moadim and realize them through growth and elevation beyond the past” – thus begins a special letter written today – at the end of this special month – by Russia’s Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach, Rabbi Berel Lazar, to all Shluchim in Russia.

The letter continues: “On Motzei Shabbos Bereishis of that year, the Rebbe wrote a special michtav klali addressing the topic of Torah shiurim, using very special expressions and offering abundant brachos for success in this endeavor, and I am attaching a copy of that letter here. During those days, the Rebbe also wrote a handwritten maaneh to Rabbi Yosef Weinberg and Rabbi Yosef Hecht regarding this matter: ”They will surely create a trask, a commotion about the effort for everyone to establish regular Torah shiurim, etc., and more than once, etc.’

Now, as we stand ‘arba’im shana’ after this farbrengen and this michtav klali, at a time of when ‘a person can fully grasp their teacher’s wisdom’ – naturally, this hora’ah applies to each and every one of us in these days.

In the conclusion of the letter, Rabbi Lazar presents several requests and advice for practical implementation, in preparation for a year of renewal and increased pe’ulos in all aspects of the holy shlichus.

The following is the full text of the letter:

Thursday, 29 Tishrei, Erev Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan, 5785

To my dear fellow Shluchim, may they be well,

Greetings and blessings!

As we conclude the spiritually enriching month of Tishrei, after all the efforts each of you put forth throughout the holiday season, we now enter the time of “V’Yaakov halach l’darko” — a moment for growth and renewal. This is our opportunity to elevate and channel the blessings and energy of the month into even greater heights for the upcoming year.

Many of the maamorim from Tishrei bring the Baal Shem Tov’s words on the posuk “Tiku bachodesh shofar,” which emphasizes the concept of renewal — we are called to reach a fresh, elevated place beyond where we’ve been before. As we enter a new year, it’s upon us to renew our commitment to our Shlichus, and consider how we can bring a new approach to our work in the city and community we serve.

I recently saw a yechidus that one of the Shluchim had with the Rebbe before his Shlichus, in which the Rebbe advised him that to remain relevant and impactful to his community, he should present a new and refreshing theme each year. Without this, the community might perceive him as outdated and lose connection.

In light of this, I want to share with you an idea from a farbrengen in Moscow, which I believe applies to all of us:

At the Shabbos Bereishis farbrengen in 5745, the Rebbe spoke at length about the need to bring Moshiach and that the redemption should have already arrived. The reason for the delay, despite all that has been accomplished, is the ongoing need for spreading Chassidus.

The Rebbe then suggested two approaches to address this:

1) “A Shliach Makes a Shliach” — Each Shliach should establish at least one additional Shliach. The Rebbe said, “Each Shliach should seek out someone suitable and appoint him to spread Chassidus in a nearby location.” Since this requires financial resources, the Rebbe promised to cover 2/3 of the cost.

2) “Torah Classes” — Each Shliach should organize Torah classes, ensuring that every Jew he encounters has at least two Torah classes daily, or at the very least, a regular schedule of Torah learning. The Rebbe emphasized, “Make every effort to ensure that every Jew has a consistent Torah study schedule.” He added that this commitment is vital for every Jew, regardless of circumstance. “They’re only asking one thing of you: not money, but ‘Give me the soul!’ Sit and learn Torah, which is our life and length of days!”

That year, on Motzei Shabbos Bereishis, the Rebbe issued a special letter on the importance of Torah classes, blessing everyone involved with success. I have attached a copy of this letter here.

Around the same time, the Rebbe wrote to Rabbi Yosef Weinberg and Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Hecht, encouraging them to “create the appropriate ‘trask‘ (commotion)” about the importance of every Jew establishing regular Torah classes, and more frequently than once a day.

As we approach the 40-year mark from this farbrengen and letter, this directive is relevant for each of us now.

I urge you to take these words to heart and contemplate — individually or with others — how to implement these instructions practically, especially in these two areas. I would be glad to hear from you any ideas or suggestions on how to advance these goals.

Regarding “A Shliach Makes a Shliach,” we are prepared to help fund the initiative. Any Shliach who can bring an additional Shliach to their city to engage with new communities or in a new area of town, as the Rebbe said, “adding one building upon another,” will receive funding from us covering 2/3 of the Shliach’s salary for the first year, and, G-d willing, we will strive to continue this support for an additional two years.

Similarly, in regard to “Torah Classes,” I welcome any creative ideas on how to reach and engage Jews throughout Russia in regular Torah learning, so that every Jew may be involved in Torah study according to their interests.

With blessings for success and true renewal,

Berel Lazar