Igrot Kodesh · Letter 2250 — Health
Volume 8 · Letter 5 · To: distingué ‘Hassid qui craint D.ieu
B"H,
27 Tishrei 5714,
Brooklyn, New York,
To the distinguished chassid who fears Hashem
and devotes himself to communal needs,
filled with ardor, Rav Yehudah Leib[1],
Greetings and blessings,
I was pleased to see you at the chassidic gathering of Shabbos* Bereishis. I am certain that the moral satisfaction you experienced will accompany you throughout the year.
This gathering continued after you had to leave. I would therefore like to report to you here an idea that was developed afterward.
As you know, all the festivals of the month of Tishrei have a global scope and they must influence the whole year. Thus, the contribution of Simchas Torah*, which must be preserved for the rest of the year, is the joy of the Torah, which must be daily.
The Torah is not an abstract science. To be sure, it also possesses this aspect. Nevertheless, it is essentially the guide of a Jew's conduct in his daily existence. In fact, it shares the same etymology as hora'ah*, instruction. For if one must submit to the Torah by reason of its elevation and its divine character, it is no less necessary to put it into practice with joy.
The fact of fulfilling it with joy is, in itself, a reward. For this, Hashem, Who is the perfection of good, grants a healthy body, business success, and nachas* from one's children. And the Torah says that "if you walk in My statutes" — in other words[2], "if you toil in Torah" with ardor — "the earth shall yield its produce," and one shall obtain all the material and spiritual blessings.
What has just been said concerns every Jew. Moreover, one who has had the merit of being chosen by Hashem to exert his influence on his surroundings and to lend his support in order to maintain an institution bound to integral Torah ought to be an inexhaustible source of Torah, for the broadest public. Such a person must, of course, remember his mission and his merit, be conscious of it not only on Simchas Torah, but also every day.
May Hashem bring you success in the work that you accomplish for the Torah. It will be fruitful and joyful. I know the help that your wife brings you in all your accomplishments. She will surely second you in your action on behalf of Yeshivah Lubavitch, and she will receive, with you, all the divine blessings.
With my blessing for success in all that has just been said,
[1] Rav Y. L. Shleifer.
[2] According to the commentary that Rashi gives on this verse.