Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7086 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

22 Marcheshvan* 5720,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav Yechezkel Issachar (note 1: Rav Y. I. Springer, of Kfar Chabad*),

I greet you and bless you,

I am responding to your letter from the eve of Shabbos*, regarding the expansion of the chicken coop. In a general manner, it is wise to develop your agricultural operation, and there is no cause to be frightened if one must borrow money for this purpose. Nevertheless, should one invest it in the chicken coop or in another domain? One must consult, on this matter, those who can evaluate the consequences for your chances of earning a livelihood — in the chicken coop or in another possibility offered by the agricultural operation.

You ask me whether, in general, it is wise to seek to earn a better livelihood. It has already been answered, on this subject, that one tithes one's earnings for tzedakah*, and it is even preferable to devote a fifth to it. According to Iggeres HaTeshuvah* and Iggeres HaKodesh* of the Alter Rebbe*, one may even contribute more than that (note 2: For tzedakah is no less than a medical treatment, for which no limit is imposed). It follows that if the institutions need an increased contribution, the tzedakah* and therefore the earnings must be more abundant and broader. Moreover, Chassidim* must have a broad life, including in the material sense, for this will bring them spiritual abundance — this is self-evident. The merit of your work at Kfar Chabad* and for Kfar Chabad*, where Hashem has commanded the blessing, as well as for the youth of the Chabad* association, will protect you, and you will be able to announce good tidings of all this. With my blessing,