Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7090 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

25 Marcheshvan* 5720,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

After a long interruption, I duly received your letter of the first day of Rosh Chodesh* Cheshvan*, which was delayed in transit more than usual. You will understand my great astonishment and surprise in observing that you make no mention of the activities you carry out in the domain of holiness, in general, and those of the month of Tishrei*, in particular, destined to disseminate Yiddishkeit* and the wellsprings (note 1: Of Chassidus*). If this obligation applies to all Chassidim* in general, how much more so for those who have observed the kindnesses of Hashem, including when everything goes well and, all the more so, when one awaits an increased blessing from Hashem. And if someone thinks that, having adopted a certain conduct for several years already, he can continue to do so, he must know that, on the contrary, there is here a motive justifying that one demand much more of oneself. As Iggeres HaKodesh* explains, at the end of chapter 9: "He who was accustomed to study one page (note 2: Before committing the transgression, will study two after it) will study two." It is surely unnecessary to say more, so self-evident is this. May Hashem therefore grant me the merit of receiving good tidings of all this, in an ever-increasing manner, with ever more light, so that: "you shall spread to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south." When one adopts, in this matter, the conduct desired by Hashem, He Himself fulfills the terms of the Mishnah* according to which: "You shall annul your will before His, so that..." (note 3: He shall annul His will before yours). This is self-evident.

Regarding the question concerning the amounts you send to your mother, it is clear that you must maintain and strengthen this practice. I am surprised that you could have any doubt on this subject. You also ask me whether you may use, for the entirety of this sum or at least for a part, a tzedakah* fund and especially the tithe. You must, on this subject, consult a Rav* who rules on Halachah*. You will communicate to him all the details on this matter, and he will indicate to you what is the opinion of the Torah* in this regard. We are approaching the month of Kislev*, that of miracles and redemption. It will therefore be the same for all that concerns you. With my blessing to give good tidings,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,

To respond to your question:

A) You will set aside for tzedakah* approximately fifteen percent of your earnings, after deduction of your business expenses.

B) It is particularly wise to rent a larger space for your business. Nevertheless, one must first ask why the rent is so inexpensive.

C) The purchase of wool to which you refer is a good initiative. All this will experience success.