| By the Grace of G-d
6 Menachem Av 5785 – July 31, 2025 Dear Mr. Lakin, Thank you. Thank you for bringing light, love, and learning to so many. Thank you for making it possible for someone—in fact, many "ones"—to find clarity, comfort, and connection through Torah—at this very second! Your partnership with Chabad.org helps people feel seen, rooted, and uplifted—even in the hardest moments. And in the month of Menachem Av, that means more than ever. * * * The month begins with the Nine Day period of mourning for the destruction of our Holy Temple in Jerusalem We recall what was broken—and work to rebuild. And yet, Menachem Av doesn't begin with destruction. It begins with love. The month's very initiation, the first day of Menachem Av, is the anniversary of the passing of Aharon the High Priest. As the only passing whose exact date is recorded in the Torah, it is firmly established in our tradition as a time to focus on his life's lessons. Aharon is described as "ohev shalom v'rodef shalom"—he loved peace and pursued peace. He reunited friends and healed marriages. He made space for forgiveness. He found the good in people who didn't always see it in themselves. Aharon shows us that even when there is conflict—between people, or between us and G‑d—there is love. Aharon brought people back to each other. Back to themselves. Back to G‑d. And that's how we begin the month of Menachem Av. Even in a time that appears to be about discipline and judgment, in the very midst of mourning and destruction, we discover that love is actually flowing underneath the surface, ready to surge forward… Through countless textual references, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of saintly memory, showed how the very antidotes to exile and destruction are found within them! Especially during this time! Foremost among them always: Selfless love of our fellow! Just like Aharon. Which is something that you clearly value and act upon, too. Because of your generosity, people around the world discover purpose, meaning, and community—especially when they need it most. Because of you, someone who is searching finds an answer. Someone who is learning finds a guide. Someone who feels lonely finds a place to connect. When you help someone connect with Torah, or with a deeper sense of belonging, you are continuing Aharon's legacy of love in action. You are reversing the exile and destruction. Thank you for helping make that possible. As we move through this month, there are a few simple ways we can each carry this kindness into the world: * * * Suggested Things To Do This Month of Menachem Av Here are three things to do during this time. 1. Make Peace
Reach out to someone. A kind word, a softened tone, a small step toward healing. 2. Increase Tzedakah (Charity) to Create Unity
If destruction came from baseless hatred, healing comes from unbounded kindness.
🡒 Give Tzedakah 3. Celebrate Torah with a Siyum
The Rebbe encouraged daily siyumim (the completion of a section in Torah) during the Nine Days and until the 15th of Av. 🡒 Join a Siyum 4. Study the Holy Temple
In eager anticipation of its rebuilding, our study is considered to be the first steps of this magnificent project.
🡒 Learn About the Holy Temple Each of these acts brings us closer to the world we're meant to live in. May this month of Menachem Av be transformed into a time of extraordinary comfort healing, light and joy—for you and your loved ones, the entire Jewish people, and the entire world. With heartfelt blessing,
Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin
Executive Director P.S. If I may, please consider a gift to Chabad.org during this time. Your support helps bring joy where there is sadness, warmth where there is loneliness, and Torah's wisdom where it's needed most. Every act of tzedakah (charity) brings the world one step closer to healing. | 
