Definition
What is a letter to the Rebbe
For decades as Rebbe, the Lubavitcher Rebbe received letters from hundreds of thousands of people worldwide — Jews and non-Jews, Chassidim and those far from observance. They wrote about everything on their hearts: requests for blessing, spiritual questions, sharing joys, personal hardships.
The Rebbe personally replied to every letter. The archive of "Igrot Kodesh" — the letters the Rebbe wrote — now spans dozens of volumes.
״כִּתְבוּ אֵלַי עַל כָּל דָּבָר, גַּם עַל בְּשׂוֹרוֹת טוֹבוֹת״
The Lubavitcher Rebbe — from his many letters
The distinction
What is the difference between a letter and a Pan
Letter
Completely free writing — in personal language, without a required formula. Speaking to the Rebbe like a close person: requesting, sharing, asking, thanking.
Pan (Pidyon Nefesh)
Writing in the traditional, structured formula of Pidyon Nefesh — fixed opening, name + mother's name, then the request. A deeply rooted Chassidic practice.
What to write
What to write in a letter to the Rebbe
1
Request for blessing and help
Health, livelihood, a match, children, success in studies, business matters — any request on the heart.
2
Good news and updates
The Rebbe was happy to hear about joys, successes, a newborn child, a marriage. "Write to me about everything, including good news."
3
Questions and advice
Life decisions, dilemmas, major decisions — the Rebbe answered them in the Igrot Kodesh.
4
Prayer and sharing
You can simply share — tell about life, hardships, dreams. The Rebbe asked for detail.
How to write
Preparation and writing
1
Opening
"To the honor of our holy Rebbe" — this is how a letter to the Rebbe begins. In the closing: your full name and your mother's name.
2
In your own words
There is no right format and no right words. Write in your language — Hebrew, Yiddish, English, any language. The Rebbe read letters in dozens of languages.
3
Include details
"The more detail, the more praiseworthy." Don't be brief — share the background, the situation, the exact request.
4
Preparation
Before writing — washing hands, giving charity, and making one good resolution.
״כָּל הַמְפָרֵט — הֲרֵי זֶה מְשֻׁבָּח וּמְרַוֵּחַ״
The Rebbe always encouraged writing in detail and not cutting short — the more you write, the deeper your petition reaches