Igrot Kodesh · Letter 281 — Reward for Publishing Chassidic Discourses — Measure for Measure

By the grace of Hashem, 13 Menachem Av 5707, To the distinguished brothers, Chassidim* who fear Hashem, Messrs. Yitzchak, Meir Moshe, and Yaakov Yosef [1], I greet and bless you,

I spent several months in Europe and that is why this letter was delayed until now. Some time ago, a collection of discourses of my father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita*, appeared — the book whose publication you undertook to finance in memory of your brother Shlomo [2].

I am certain that it is unnecessary to describe at length the merit that is yours for having enabled the publication of this work and the immense elevation that resulted for the soul of the departed.

I would nevertheless like to emphasize a quality that appears here and that is found in several other Mitzvot*.

Our Sages* emphasize that, in general, the reward for Mitzvot* is not granted in this world. This can be explained based on what the Admor HaZaken* writes in the third chapter of Iggeret HaKodesh* [3]. This reward, indeed, is so considerable that the world could not contain it.

This is indeed the case for most Mitzvot*. Certain ones, however, consist of doing good to one's fellow in this material world. These possess both qualities simultaneously. They are 'good for heaven and good for creatures.' They provide, of course, the previously mentioned reward, to which is added, 'measure for measure,' a recompense in this world.

By enabling the publication of this book, you have opened, for thousands of people, access to its teaching and to the good deeds it advocates. For many of them, it will enable them to find the right path again and will bring an answer to the problems one faces in this world.

Consequently, what you have done will provide you, beyond the principal preserved for the World to Come*, with interest that, in this world, will take the form of all material and spiritual good.

With my blessing for immediate Teshuvah*, immediate redemption, Rav Menachem Schneerson,

[Parable:] I will illustrate the subject of this letter with an image. A mighty monarch ruled over the entire world. Once, he left his palace, encountered a child named Israel and said to him: 'I ask you to find a diamond that will adorn my crown, so that it may appear, in all its perfection and beauty, for the anniversary of my coronation.'

Israel did as asked, threw his toys to the ground, found the precious stone, and brought it to the king. Specialists cut it and set it in the crown, which the king placed on his head. All could then admire its beauty.

It was decided that, when the child became an adult, the king would appoint him prime minister. But, already the next day, Israel's meal was not served at the usual hour and he began to cry: 'How is this? I found the precious stone for the king and he does not ensure that my meal is served on time?' Then, when he grew up, he understood that the true reward he had received was his appointment as prime minister. The meaning of this parable is quite clear.

To follow up on what was said previously, I will also give you an illustration of the second category of Mitzvot*. The king asked Israel to render him a personal service by helping his children eat. Israel abandoned his own activities to fulfill the king's request.

It is clear that Israel will then be rewarded for having fulfilled the Will of the King, King of kings. But it is equally clear that he will not remain, himself, alone and hungry, while distributing food to others. He will take his place at the same table as them. Here again the meaning is quite clear.