Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4477 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

22 Sivan 5716

Brooklyn

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter of 18 Sivan, in which you tell me how a certain person regards you, his attitude not being proper (see note 1). This results in consequences that are not desirable.

A yeshivah* student of your age, particularly when he has received his education in a Chassidic* home, with someone who is himself a former yeshivah* student, must obviously study Torah* and observe the mitzvos* because such is the Will of the Holy One, blessed be He. It is not a matter of doing someone a favor, but of seeking one's own good, in this world and in the World to Come, the good of one's soul and that of one's body.

This also means that even if a certain person does not behave toward me in the proper manner, I must not adopt an attitude that goes against my own good. If one is truly affected, one will intervene in a pleasant and peaceful manner, so that everything returns to order in the best way possible. And if it seems that a certain person is not satisfied with this, I will endeavor to act well toward him and ultimately this will bring success, as it is said, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart of man is reflected in that of his fellow."

Practically, particularly in your case, a study partner is not essential at your age, for only ardor in study matters. In such a situation, you will no longer need to seek a study partner, for everyone will want to study with you.

Certainly, it will take you some time before you achieve this. Until then, it will not be easy — it will even be difficult — to study alone. Nevertheless, one must do so with energy and be certain that this will be so only for a relatively short time.

What has just been said applies only if what you write is entirely accurate. However, it is said that "a person is close to himself" (see note 2). One must therefore accept that it may be otherwise, as it is said: "Love (of self) covers all faults."

You should therefore reflect once more on everything that depends on you. If a positive change occurs, the situation you describe will resolve itself, at least to a significant degree.

You surely observe the three studies applicable to everyone, 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. Every weekday morning, before the prayer, you will give a few cents to tzedakah*.

And Hashem will grant you success.

With my blessing,

For the Rebbe shlita*,

the secretary,

Notes

(1) The addressee of this letter is a young yeshivah* student who complains about the attitude of his study partner toward him.

(2) He is therefore not objective regarding himself.