Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5262 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

10 Adar Sheini* 5717,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem
and devotes himself to communal needs,
Rav Baruch (see note 1),

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter from motzaei Shabbos* Parshas Vayikra*, which was therefore written in Adar Sheini* — a month in which one increases one's joy — and a few days before Purim*, when this joy reaches "ad d'lo yada*" (see note 2).

Despite all of this, the content and especially the spirit of your letter are foreign to Purim* and to this joy. Despite all the explanations and justifications you give in this regard, the fact remains that Hashem — Who not only creates the world but also directs it — has commanded: "Serve Hashem with joy" (Tehillim* 100:2). Thus, Hashem is aware of every aspect of each situation. He nonetheless demands that one rejoice.

From all of this, three elements can be deduced:

A) Hashem demands that it be so, and it is therefore certain that everyone has the capacity and ability to do so. Indeed, "the Holy One, blessed be He, does not act deceitfully toward His creatures," and when He asks them for a certain accomplishment, it is certain that they possess the necessary strength for it.

B) Even in a situation like yours, there is indeed reason to rejoice. One need only refuse to close one's eyes in order to perceive it immediately.

C) Various texts, in particular chapter 26 of the Tanya*, explain that, on the contrary, when it comes to winning and being victorious in battle — all the more so when the battle is fierce — joy is imperative, for it opens the heart and purifies it of all worries, troubles, and sadness. The Tanya* explains all of this at length.

You know the saying (see note 3) of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, whose merit protects us, according to which a soldier going to the front sings a victory march and rejoices, even though he has not yet, strictly speaking, taken part in the battle. In practice, such an approach and a strong confidence in victory and in joy strengthen and hasten the positive outcome of the struggle.

May Hashem grant that the difficulties you describe in your letter be transformed and contribute to the success of your endeavor. It is said of this entire month, with all the days that comprise it — in particular Purim* — that "it was transformed" into joy and celebration (Esther* 9:1).

With my blessing for a joyous Purim* and for giving good news,

Notes

(1) Rav B. Litvin of Mount Clemens. See, regarding him, letter no. 4843.

(2) Until one can no longer distinguish between "Blessed be Mordechai*" and "Cursed be Haman*."

(3) See, on this subject, letter no. 5100.