By the Grace of G-dErev-Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 5745Brooklyn, NY
Prof. J. Pelaez del Rosal
Comisario del 850 Aniversario
del Nacimiento de Maimonides1
Plaza de Colon, 15, 14071 Cordoba
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you very much for your letter of March 12, 1985,2 with the accompanying memorandum.
It was indeed gratifying to learn, in some detail, of the forthcoming celebration of the 850th Anniversary of the birth of the great teacher and luminary, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, on the 14th day of Nissan, in the City of Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture in conjunction with the Provincial and City authorities.
I take this opportunity of sending prayerful wishes to you and to all your distinguished associates for the utmost success of this most worthy historic event.
There is no need for me to elaborate on the extraordinary role and far-reaching influence of Maimonides in the realm of philosophy and science, particularly medicine, throughout the centuries to this day; in addition to his immense impact on Jewish life in his generation and ever since. What has been, perhaps, insufficiently emphasized is that also in his personal life he has been an inspiring example of dedication and selfless service to all — Jew and non-Jew, royalty and commoner, rich and poor alike.
The city, state and country of Maimonides’ birth may rightly be proud of the fact that this great luminary was born on their soil. It is to be hoped that the world at large, through UNESCO and other appropriate bodies, and particularly the countries which were touched and graced by his presence in addition to Spain, namely, Morocco, Egypt, and, of course, the Land of Israel where Maimonides was laid to rest, will enthusiastically join in a coordinated effort to ensure that the 850th Anniversary will have a lasting continuity, in practical and concrete terms, through the dissemination of the works and teachings of this great healer of both body and soul and “Guide of the Perplexed.” Particularly in this day and age that is beset by many perplexities, material and spiritual, in a world that can derive much benefit from his guidance and healing.
With esteem and blessing,
M. Schneerson
Notes and sources
1) Commissioner of the 850th Anniversary of the Birth of Maimonides.
2) The letter reads (free translation from Spanish):
Córdoba, 12th of March, 1985
To the illustrious Rabbi Menachem Mendel:
I was very pleased by the visit of Rabbi Abraham Gluck, who was the bearer of your fervent blessings. It has been an honor for us to have this support, and it is a great stimulus for the work of preparing the commemorations in Córdoba of the 850th Anniversary of the birth of Maimonides in our city.
Rabbi Abraham Gluck spoke to me with enthusiasm about the significance that you find in these commemorations.
We hope that the Anniversary serves for the greater glory of Maimonides.,
Jesús Peláez,
Commissioner for the Anniversary
P.S. Further information will be sent under separate cover.
Source: Photocopy of Original.
Published: Tekufat Limud HaRambam (Tzach), p. 154.