Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4455 — Tzedakah

B"H

17 Sivan 5716

Brooklyn

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter of this Monday. I read with pleasure that, little by little, you are setting aside time for the study of the Torah* and you are managing to earn your livelihood. You mention the harm that was caused to you a week ago. You must be certain that this distress will be merely temporary, that everything will be well. Moreover, in accordance with the saying of great Sages (see note 1), mercy will be revealed — which is stronger than kindness, preceding it — an inheritance without limit, extending from one end to the other (see note 2).

You tell me that it is difficult to explain, and more broadly, to answer the following question: "What am I doing in the world?" (see note 3).

In fact, one question answers the other (see note 4). The mission of a person here below is expressed at the end of tractate Kiddushin*: "I was created to serve my Creator." The Rambam* and the Tur*, Orach Chaim*, chapter 231, define this service, corresponding to the principle: "In all your ways, acknowledge Him" (see note 5), and present its various aspects.

The search for answers to the questions one asks oneself is not part of this principle (see note 6). This concern, of little importance, is therefore by no means necessary. Moreover, if one has the merit of demonstrating that one overcomes the trials, Hashem grants His help and He reduces the veils, of which questions are an integral part.

In general, the more one is permeated with Torah* and mitzvos*, the more one refines one's understanding. One then comes to understand ideas that for others still remain inexplicable.

You surely observe the three studies applicable to everyone, which were instituted by my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us. These concern the Chumash*, the Tehillim*, and the Tanya*, and are well known.

May Hashem grant you success.

With my blessing,

M. Schneerson

Notes

(1) See letter no. 4307 on this subject.

(2) Compare with letter no. 4281.

(3) How does one determine what mission one must assume here?

(4) The explanation of the unfortunate event that occurred and the necessity of determining the nature of the mission one is given here below.

(5) Every action, without any exception, is therefore an integral part of the service of Hashem.

(6) And is therefore not desirable.