Igrot Kodesh · Letter 237 — Etz Chaim Publication · Merit of Torah Dissemination

By the grace of Hashem, 29 Sivan* 5706, To the Chassid* who fears Hashem and faithfully fulfills his task, Mr. Yeruham Fishel[1], I greet and bless you,
I have the pleasure of informing you that the Etz Chaim*[2], which you and your wife undertook to finance the publication of, has been printed these days. You will find a copy enclosed and you will tell us how many other copies you need.
The possibility of offering several thousand Jews the opportunity to study this book, containing the teachings of our masters, with an introductory letter from my father-in-law, the Rebbe* Shlita*, constitutes a great merit, and I am certain that it is unnecessary to elaborate on this idea here.
I would simply like to clarify one point, in this instance an idea appearing in the Sidra* of this week.
It recounts to us the episode of the spies*[3] who, through their slander, brought misfortune upon themselves and upon the many generations that followed them, up to our own.
The remedy recommended by tractate Arachin* 15b is the Torah*, as it is said: "the healing of the tongue is the tree of life*[4]".
The terrible punishment inflicted on account of the slander heard only by the men who lived at that time and in that place allows us to understand the immense merit and considerable reward coming to one who utters words of Torah*, in a certain place, at a certain moment.
One can deduce from this the merit and reward of those who cause words of Torah to be printed. Indeed, this book, with the explanations it contains, will reach all countries, will remain there and will be studied for tens, hundreds of years after its printing.
I conclude by expressing the wish that this merit protect you in all your needs, that you take part again in the future in such endeavors, which belong to Torah*, Mitzvot* and good deeds.
With my blessing for immediate Teshuvah*, immediate redemption, Rav Menachem Schneerson, Director of the executive committee[5]