Shabbat Cheshvan 1, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh 5704
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Noach, Shevi'i with Rashi. Tehillim: 1-9. Tanya: Now, with one (p. 543)...the peak of levels. (p. 543).

At Mincha, and on Monday and Thursday of the approaching week (Lech L'cha), the third Aliya ("Yisrael") begins with Vayeira Hashem El Avram etc.

The Rebbe my father told someone at Yechidus:

"Ever since G-d told our father Avraham, `Go from your land etc.' [1] and it is then written `Avram kept travelling southward,' [2] we have the beginning of the mystery of Birurim.

By decree of Divine Providence man goes about his travels to the place where the "sparks" that he must purify await their redemption.

Tzadikim, who have vision, see where their Birurim await them and go there deliberately.

As for ordinary folk, The Cause of all causes and the Prime Mover [3] brings about various reasons and circumstances that bring these people to that place where lies their obligation to perform the Avoda of Birurim."

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Bereishit 12:1.

2. (Back to text) Ibid 12:9.

3. (Back to text) "Cause of all causes," Ilat Kol Ha'ilot.

   "Prime Mover," Sibat Kol Hasibot.

   For the difference between the two terms, see Likutei Sichot, Vol. 16, p. 349, footnote 68.