Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8292 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem,

3 Teves* 5722,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav Chaim Zusha (note 1: Rav Ch. Z. Wilimovski. See, regarding him, letters no. 7479, 8422 and 8483),

I greet you and bless you,

I have duly received your letter of 25 Kislev*, as well as those that followed it. Today is Zos Chanukah* (note 2: The last day of the festival) and, as Chassidus* explains, this expression receives two interpretations, two meanings that are linked to the service of Hashem:

A) It alludes to the revelation of the most profound force of the soul, which corresponds to pleasure, down to concrete action, in daily conduct.

B) It also indicates the appearance of that which directs all the interior forces, corresponding to the will, so that man be imbued with it in all that he accomplishes.

The application to concrete action is not easy and, to realize it, it is necessary to call upon a still more profound force of the divine soul. On the other hand, for the man himself and for his own feelings, there is no need to have recourse to what enables him to enter into contact with the external world. In conformity with a well-known principle (note 3: See, on this subject, letter no. 8285), "that which is the highest is revealed at the lowest point." As was specified during the Chassidic* gathering of the last day of Chanukah*, the summary of the Chassidic* discourse entitled: "Blessed be the One Who performed miracles" (note 4: See, on this subject, letter no. 8290) mentions, in chapter 4, only the first interpretation, which therefore expresses the essential, the ultimate purpose. Such is precisely the reason for a summary, showing the preponderant elements, without bringing specifications or developments.

May Hashem grant each one the success of putting into practice the teachings of Zos Chanukah*, according to the above interpretation of Chassidus*, throughout the coming year, for the good, in order to illuminate at home, "at the door of his house toward the outside," the members of the family and those close to one, as well as the outside world. With my blessing to give good news of all of this,

M. Schneerson,