Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9191

By the grace of Hashem,

Eve of the holy Shabbat*, Parashat Ekev*,
20 Menachem Av 5726,

I greet and bless you,

I have duly received your letter[2]. May Hashem bring it about that you announce good news to me. And as the beginning of this week's Parasha* states: 'You will eat and you will be satisfied' — these words also encompass and include[3] everything that is detailed afterwards, following the admonition[4]: 'Take great care' — namely: 'You will eat, you will be satisfied, you will build fine houses, you will settle in them, and all that you possess will flourish.' The Zohar*[5], in our Parasha, commenting on the formulation of the blessing, explains that: 'Blessed is the secret of the Supreme Source, which must be poured forth, revealed and illuminate all the sparks.'

My father explains[6]: 'There are here three expressions — poured forth, revealed, illuminate' — meaning that the source pours forth without limitation, from its own emanation. It will be revealed down to the lowest point. This supreme blessing will illuminate all domains, down to the smallest detail and, as the verse states, until 'you will be satisfied'[11]. With my blessing,

M. Schneerson,

* * *

I[12] have not found the Zohar* cited in the Talmudic Encyclopedia*[14]. It would be good, in my humble opinion, to complete this in the next edition.

* * *

I am replying to your questions[15]. One finds, in various texts of Chassidus*[16], explanations of the words of our Sages and of customs that are not adopted by Chabad*, and even more, that are not retained[17] by Halacha*[18]. And the reason is: 'both these and those are the words of the living Hashem'[19]. The citations from Igeret HaKodesh*[20] end with 'etc.'[21], whereas they should have read: 'end of the verse'[22]. It must also be added, as shown by the approbation of the Rabbanim*, sons of the author, that the major portion of Igeret HaKodesh was published from copies made by disciples.

* * *

Concerning the state of health and sleep of your wife, you must consult a physician once more and follow his prescription.

* * *

I have duly received[25] your letter of 16 Menachem Av. May Hashem bring it about that you announce good news to me.