Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3196 — Tzedakah

B"H

17 Teves* 5715,
Brooklyn.

To Mr. Yaakov Parnes,

Greetings and blessing,

I learned with pleasure, through the Rav, distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, full of zeal, of multiple accomplishments, Rav Tzvi Hirsh Chitrik, that you will take an interest in the communal activities of Lubavitch. He also sent me your article, in which you describe the Chassidic* farbrengen* of 19 Kislev*.

I hope that the interest you show will be enduring, that it will continue also during the weekdays, throughout the year (including outside the major celebrations). Indeed, Chassidus* teaches and emphasizes that the interest one may feel for another Jew and, more generally, the love of one's fellow, must manifest and prove their existence in the relationship one maintains with ordinary people, in their ordinary activities.

Moreover, if he truly desires it, a Jew can sanctify every aspect, every event of his daily existence.

This is precisely the mission entrusted to each person. Since all Jews, and each one in particular, have been "a nation of priests and a holy people" from the moment they became a nation, at the giving of the Torah*.

I read in your article that "Judaism in Brazil is a desert" — an assertion I cannot accept. I hope you do not use it literally, that it merely responds to the necessity of saying, from time to time, a strong word in order to attract the reader and "prick" him.

A desert is a place in which nothing can be made to grow, even if one plows and plants. In contrast, the Baal Shem Tov* and the Alter Rebbe* teach that every Jew is "a land of desire" (see, on this subject, letter no. 3147), which one wishes to possess for the fabulous treasures it contains.

The same is true for every Jew, at every era and in every place. He possesses, without doubt, wonderful treasures. The point of Judaism within him knows no limits. It therefore suffices to reveal it and bring it to light. Indeed, it is hidden and one does not see it. By unveiling it, one discovers all the hidden treasures.

There are different ways to reveal this point of Judaism. Some act and do so by their own means. Others need help to achieve this. But in any event, it is certain that when one plows properly and sows, Hashem sends rains of blessing, so that a single seed can give birth to an entire tree that will produce good fruit.

This rule knows no exception. And when those who until now have not known success in this matter discover those who plow in the best way, those who sow properly, they too will be able to develop and produce the appropriate fruit.

You influence a large number of readers and I want to hope that you will do everything in your power to hasten the realization of all of this. You will act positively so that Hashem can grant you success.

With my respects and my blessing,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,
the secretary,