Better late than never – The Rebbe’s directives regarding the Rambam’s Yor Tzeit yesterday

a Call to Action

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המעשה הוא העיקר

“HaMaaseh Hu HaIkar”

538 Crown street, Brooklyn, NY 11213

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5768 – ‏2007

Foreword

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 Rebbe’s Sichos pertaining to the 20th of Teves (Yahrtzait of the Rambam) and the 24th of Teves (Yahrtzait of the Alter Rebbe).

HaMaaseh Hu HaIkar is a compilation of Hora’os (“directives”) culled from the Rebbe’s 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 Rebbe’s carefully calculated and instructive phrasing. This edition’s English translation was provided by Rabbi Yaakov Paley.

At this time, when Moshiach’s 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

Teves, 5768

Table of Contents

20th of Teves

Introduction……………………………………………………………. 5

Spread Torah, Mitzvos – and study of Rambam…………… 6

Join the study cycle………………………………………………….. 7

Rambam encapsulates entire Torah…………………………….. 8

Laws of Moshiach……………………………………………………. 8

Influence all Jews to study Rambam…………………………… 8

Three chapter a day………………………………………………….. 8

Tzedakah……………………………………………………………….. 9

Farbrengens everywhere…………………………………………… 9

Joint celebrations…………………………………………………….. 9

Eretz Yisrael and Chutz La’aretz………………………………. 10

Translated in the memory of Yitzchok Yosef ben Yaakov Mordechai.

20th of Teves

Yahrtzait of the Rambam

Introduction

Rambam (an acronym for Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon) was born in Cordova, Spain, on the 14th of Nissan 4895 (1135); he passed away on the 20th of Teves 4965 (1204) and was buried in Teveria.

Amongst his many outstanding works and great accomplishments for Jewry, Rambam is best known for his fourteen volume codification of the laws of the entire Torah (including both laws that are presently applicable and those that are not). Such a work had never been prepared before his time and has not been repeated since.

[The inscription on his tombstone attests to his prominence; it reads: From Moshe to Moshe, none rose like Moshe. In other words, history had not produced anyone like Rambam since the times of Moshe Rabbeinu.]

The Rebbe strongly encouraged a regular study of Rambam’s codification – known as “Mishneh Torah,” “Yad HaChazakah,” or simply “Yad” – with the intention that all Jews will cover the entire Torah (as encapsulated in the Yad) either annually or every three years.

The Rebbe further emphasized the association between Rambam and the Alter Rebbe [See below, 24th of Teves] – an association that is highlighted by the proximity of their Yahrtzaits (the 20th and 24th of Teves, respectively); they both authored classic works on Jewish law and fundamental guides that point the way to divine service.[1]

Spread Torah, Mitzvos – and study of Rambam

· Rambam composed his masterpiece,[2] “Mishneh Torah,” for the benefit of all Jewry.[3] For that reason, his Yarhzait should be utilized[4] to bolster Torah study and the observance of Mitzvah among all Jewry – with foremost attention being given to the study of “Mishneh Torah.”[5]

Join the study cycle

· A great number of Jews follow the systematic study of Rambam. If you have not participated in this study in the past, join in now; if you are already participating, bolster the practice.

· [There are three study cycles to choose from – based on ability:]

A) Three chapters of Mishneh Torah per day [completing the entire book annually];

B) One chapter of Mishneh Torah per day [completing it once every three years];

C) A daily selection from Sefer HaMitzvos [that is arranged to parallel the topics being studied by cycle (A). Sefer HaMitzvos was written by Rambam as an introductory work to Mishneh Torah, and contains – in brief – each of the 613 commandments and their Scriptural source.][6]

Rambam encapsulates entire Torah

· One of the immense benefits of studying Mishneh Torah is that in covers all of Torah’s laws, both those that are currently applicable as well as those that were relevant when the Beis HaMikdash still stood – or, more importantly, which will again become pertinent with the arrival of the ultimate Redemption.[7]

Laws of Moshiach

· Of particularly significance is the study of the last two chapters of the final section of Mishneh Torah – the “Laws of Kings” – detailing the laws regarding Moshiach.6

Influence all Jews to study Rambam

· In addition to our personal study of Rambam, we should also spread this practice among the Jews around us – men, women, and children – in great numbers.6

· We should spread this practice in a manner that will inspire others to follow our example, so that they, in turn, will influence as many as they can to study Rambam.6

Three chapter a day

· On the day of the Yahrtzait, we should put far greater effort[8] into promoting the study of three chapters of Mishneh Torah per day – in order to complete the entire book in one year.[9]

Tzedakah

· We should add in Tzedakah in connection with the Yahrtzait.[10]

Farbrengens everywhere

· Every location should boast a Farbrengen in honor of Rambam’s Yahrtzait.

· Even those who have already announced that they will be holding a Farbrengen should not rest; they are able and expected to further increase their efforts in this regard.[11]

Joint celebrations

· [The completion of the annual study cycle of Rambam sometimes occurs in close proximity to Rambam’s Yahrtzait. On one such occasion, the Rebbe said:] It would be worthwhile and fitting to celebrate the completion of the annual study of Rambam on his actual Yahrtzait.[12]

Eretz Yisrael and Chutz La’aretz

· At least one celebration for completing the annual study of Rambam should be held in Eretz Yisrael, preferably by Rambam’s gravesite in Teveria.

· At least one celebration should be held in the Diaspora as well.

· If possible, there should be numerous celebrations, both in Eretz Yisrael as well as in the Diaspora.12