Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7560 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

9 Shevat* 5721,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

At a propitious moment, your name and that of your friend will be mentioned near the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us, in accordance with what you write to me. I have good hope that you have fixed a time for the study of Chassidus*, every day and, in an increased manner, during Shabbos*. Quite obviously, this is in addition to the study of the revealed part of the Torah*.

May Hashem grant that this be in conformity with the teaching of our Sages*, according to which "study leads to action." Likewise, you surely maintain the three well-known studies, bearing upon the Chumash*, the Tehillim*, and the Tanya*. With my blessing to give good tidings of all this,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,

N.B.: It would be good to have your Tefillin* checked. Likewise, every weekday, before the morning prayer, you will give a few cents to Tzedakah*.

A) You pose the following question: "Sometimes one is motivated for Judaism without having prepared for this. Where does such a feeling come from? And should one fear it?" The Baal Shem Tov* explains that it comes from a heavenly voice that resounds every day, as is specified elsewhere. For this feeling to be lasting, the person must immediately bind it with a concrete action, as is established elsewhere.

B) How does one discern behaviors (note 1: In order to determine which is good and which is bad)? The criterion in this matter is expounded in the Hayom Yom*, at the date of 23 Sivan* (note 2: It concerns the positive contribution to the service of Hashem).

C) Regarding the conduct one must adopt during prayer (note 3: See, on this subject, letters no. 6583 and 7616), the instruction that was given is known, concerning also what one should think about when praying, which is an essential aspect thereof. One must begin the prayer at the same time as the congregation. Subsequently, one may prolong it in order to increase the fervor.

D) You also inquire about the precautions that are necessary for speech. In this matter, one must adopt the conduct defined by the Rambam*, in the first chapter of his Laws of Opinions (note 4: The pursuit of the middle path).