Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9514
Volume 25 · Letter 136 · 12 Tamouz 5691 · To: don de sa propre personne.
By the grace of Hashem, eve of the holy
Shabbat* of the Parasha* "Rise up, O well[1], and respond to this song[2]" 5728,
Brooklyn, New York,
I greet and bless you,
I have duly received your letter[3]. I express my strong conviction that during these propitious days — those of the liberation, the 12th and 13th of Tammuz* which are approaching — in those preceding and following them, each person will recall the account of the deliverance, the imprisonment which preceded it and the reasons that were at the origin of all this[4]. And this remembrance will give rise to reflection, thought and a lesson to be drawn from these events, leading to action[5].
This concrete action will be the origin of concrete achievements, constituting the foundation and the profound dimension of these accounts — the dissemination of Judaism, of Torah*, of its revealed teaching and its hidden part, as well as of its Mitsvot*, to the point of the gift of one's own person.
The gift of oneself, of one's own will[6] and of everything pertaining to it, will be carried out in true generosity. For even in a situation in which the promise is fully realized — "Hashem will inspire your dread and your terror"[7] — one must nonetheless, constantly, fix literally in one's heart the necessity of giving of oneself for Hashem, in order to stand firm before every obstacle and difficulty, every enemy and every person who seeks vengeance[8], from without or within. And one will have the certainty that in the end, all limitations and impediments will disappear, that these actions will achieve success, that they will multiply and shine forth.
And the number of those acting in this matter — "the workers of the day," bringing the light[9] — will grow ever larger, until they cannot be counted[10]. Then will be fulfilled the promise that[11]: "knowledge, wisdom[12] and truth[13] shall multiply. And the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of Hashem"[14][15], at our true and complete redemption which is imminent, by our righteous Moshiach*. With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
* * *
Regarding your note[16]:
1) In chapter 9 of Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah*, why is it specified: "Our Sages also call it..."? One might think that the verse itself is explained by what the Rambam* says, in his Laws of the Foundations of Torah*, chapter 1, paragraph 9.
2) In the first part, chapter 26, the expression "the verse states clearly" refers to the subject treated in its entirety[17] — in this case, to the necessity of being joyful.
* * *
May Hashem cause[18] you and your friends in Hebron* to multiply[17] the study of Torah*, of its revealed part and of Chassidut*, as well as prayer with wholehearted devotion in this city of the Patriarchs. In this way, you will strengthen its moral conquest and, as stated above[19], this is also the means of removing those who, from within, prevent its conquest from being definitive, in the most literal sense[20]. For those who obstruct and exert pressure from without are making their voice heard, at least for now, in a very faint manner[21].
Indeed, the end of our exile is approaching — the exile of all our brothers, the children of Israel, in our Holy Land, may it be restored and rebuilt, as well as outside it.
* * *
For the moment, here is what is the subject of this letter[22]. I have duly received all the notes you have been sending me for some time and I thank you for them. I reiterate[17] my request for the future: multiply them! And pay absolutely no[17] attention to the fact that no acknowledgment of receipt comes from here, due to my numerous occupations. For "the reward of a Mitsva* is the Mitsva* itself"[23].
* * *
P.S.[24]: I have just received the books — a Chumash* with Rashi's handwritten commentary and the responsa Minhat Elazar*. I thank you very much.
M. S.
* * *
I convey to you[25] my blessing for success in your sacred mission, in accordance with the will of him whose joy we are celebrating. You will therefore make an addition in this sense, both quantitatively — a domain in which no error is possible — and qualitatively.
P.S.: I have just received your letter of Shabbat* eve, with the request for blessing it contained. It will be read at a propitious moment, near the holy tomb[26].
I am surprised that in all your letters you do not inform me of how this distinguished young man has settled in life and how he is contributing, in particular for Yeshiva* students coming from England. This depends on his needs being met and his no longer being anxious.
* * *
Based on what was said previously[27], it is clear that one cannot divest oneself of the responsibility that was entrusted by him whose deliverance we are celebrating — on the contrary[17].
Regarding Beitenu*[28], you will act in accordance with the opinion of friends on the ground, particularly as changes are occurring.
With my blessing for success regarding the network of Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak* as well as for other areas, and to give me good news, with joy,
* * *
With my blessing[29] of Mazal Tov* for the Bar Mitsva* of your son David, who shall have long days and good years,
Notes
(1) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "Study of the day (Chukat 21:17), within the framework of the well-known studies on the Chumash, Tehillim and Tanya."
(2) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "The assembly of Israel is compared to a well, as it says (Song of Songs 4:15): 'A spring of gardens, a well of living waters.' Furthermore, 'respond to this song' emphasizes that the awakening is of heavenly origin. Through the practice of Torah and Mitsvot, one rises above the imprisonment within the animal soul, toward the light of life, as the Likkutei Torah and Or HaTorah explain, with regard to this verse."
(3) This letter was addressed to several persons. See Likkutei Sichot*, vol. 8, p. 339.
(4) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "See, in this regard, the notes on the imprisonment, in the Likkutei Dibbourim*, vol. 4 (from p. 611b, then in Sefer HaSichot 5687, from p. 79) and the Kuntres* of 12 Tammuz 5691, in Sefer HaMaamarim Kuntrassim (vol. 1, p. 175a)."
(5) See the tractate Kiddushin 40b.
(6) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "See the Chassidic discourse on self-negation, according to the Admur Hazaken*, in Boneh Yerushalayim, p. 1 and Meah She'arim, chapter 43 (later printed in Sefer HaMaamarim Admur Hazaken HaKetzarim, p. 506). See also the discourse entitled 'It shall be said to the righteous,' from 5702 (in Sefer HaMaamarim 5702, from p. 74)."
(7) Eikev 11:25. The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "See, in this regard, the Tanya*, chapters 25 and 41."
(8) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "See the Chassidic discourse entitled 'The Jews accepted,' from 5687 (in Sefer HaMaamarim 5711, from p. 180 and 5687, from p. 110)."
(9) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "Tractate Eruvin 65a. See the explanation of the Tzemach Tzedek*, cited by the Likkutei Dibbourim*, vol. 4, regarding the verse (Genesis 1:5): 'And Hashem called the light day.'"
(10) According to the expression of the verse Genesis 41:49.
(11) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "See the Rambam*, Laws of Repentance, chapter 9, paragraph 2, as well as the conclusion of Laws of Kings, his commentary on the Mishna, tractate Sanhedrin, chapter 'Chelek,' at the end of the introduction to the thirteen principles, and the Guide for the Perplexed*, vol. 3, at the end of chapter 11."
(12) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "The Zohar, vol. 1, p. 140a, says: 'at that time, wisdom will multiply in the world.' Nevertheless, one can deduce that this text refers to the period of the resurrection of the dead. This can also be established by consulting the Zohar, vol. 1, pp. 113b and 130a."
(13) See Sefer HaSichot 5749, vol. 1, from p. 146.
(14) The Rebbe notes, at the bottom of the page: "A complementary explanation is found at the end of Laws of Kings: 'The occupation of the entire world will be solely the knowledge of Hashem. Consequently, the Jews will be great sages and they will perceive the Creator.' Furthermore, the Laws of the Foundations of Torah, chapter 1, paragraph 4, state: 'He alone is Truth.' One should also consult the Tanya*, chapter 35, in the note, in the name of the Maggid of Mezritch*. See also Laws of the Foundations of Torah, chapter 3, paragraph 9. This also helps one understand that only Laws of Kings and the Guide for the Perplexed cite the end of the verse: 'as water covers the sea bed.'"
(15) Isaiah 11:9.
(16) This passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Yitzchak Dubov. See, in this regard, letter no. 9440.
(17) The Rebbe emphasizes the words: "in its entirety," "multiply," "reiterate," "absolutely no" and "on the contrary."
(18) This passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Baruch Nachshon and his wife. See Heichal Menachem*, vol. 3, p. 290 and vol. 2, p. 111.
(19) In the body of the letter.
(20) See, in this regard, letter no. 9445.
(21) Literally: "the sound of a fallen leaf," according to the expression of the verse Bechukotai 26:36.
(22) This passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Yaakov Landa, of Bnei Brak. See Mikdash Melech*, vol. 2, p. 272. See also, in this regard, letter no. 9256.
(23) According to the tractate Avot, chapter 4, Mishna 2. See also the Tanya*, chapter 39, p. 52b.
(24) This passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Issachar Dov Weiss. See, in this regard, letter no. 8722.
(25) This passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Nissan Nemanov. See, in this regard, letter no. 9407.
(26) Of the Rebbe Rayatz*.
(27) This handwritten passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Alexander Zusha Bunin. See, in this regard, letter no. 9407.
(28) An institution for girls requiring special treatment, directed by Rav Bunin.
(29) This handwritten passage was added to the copy of the present letter destined for Rav Yaakov Orenstein and his wife.
ט'תקיד
ב"ה, עש"ק פ' עלי באר ענו לה, ה'תשכ"ח
ברוקלין, נ.י.
שלום וברכה!
מאשר הנני קבלת מכתבו . . .
אביע תקותי חזקה, אשר בימי סגולה, ימי הגאולה יב-יג תמוז הבע"ל, וכן בימים שלפניהם ושלאחריהם ,
תעלה בזכרון כאו"א פרשת הגאולה , פרשת המאסר שקדם לה ופרשת הסיבות שגרמו להם,
זכרון המביא לידי התבוננות, התבוננות ו"לימוד" פרשות אלו המביא לידי מעשה,
מעשה בפועל בפעולות שהן היסוד והפנימיות של הפרשות האמורות: הפצת היהדות, התורה (הנגלה והפנימית) ומצותי' ועד כדי מסנ"פ,
מסנ"פ (רצונו וכל עניניו) מתוך הרחבה אמתית, שהרי גם במצב שמתקיימת במילואה ההבטחה: פחדכם ומוראכם יתן ה' וגו' צ"ל קבוע בלבו תמיד ממש ענין מסירת נפשו לה',
לעמוד חזק נגד כל מונע ומעכב, אויב ומתנקם – הן מחוץ והן מבית,
ולהיות בטוח אשר סוף סוף יבטלו כל המניעות ועיכובים ותצליחנה הפעולות הלוך והוסיף ואור
וגם מספר הפועלים בזה – פעלי דיממא, מאַכן ליכטיג – יגדל הלוך וגדל עד כי חדל לספור –
עדי לקיום היעוד כי תרבה הדעה והחכמה והאמת ומלאה הארץ דעה את ה', בגאולתנו הקרובה האמתית והשלימה ע"י משיח צדקנו.
בברכה,
מ. שניאורסאהן
* * *
לההערה
1) בשער היחוה"א פ"ט מהי כוונת ההוספה "וגם חז"ל כינו כו'" – י"ל כי בנוגע להכתוב מבואר עפמשנ"ת ברמב"ם הל' יסוה"ת פ"א ה"ט.
2) בח"א פכ"ו ומקרא מלא כו' – קאי על כללות הענין (שצ"ל בשמחה).
* * *
ויה"ר שירבו – הוא וחבריו שי' שבחברון – בתורה (הנגלה והחסידות) ובתפלה ברעו"ד בעיר האבות שעי"ז יבססו כיבושה ברוחניות וככתוב לעיל זוהי ג"כ הדרך לבטל המונעים מבית לכיבושה לצמיתות כפשוטה (כי מונעים ולוחצים מבחוץ אין – לע"ע עכ"פ – כי אם קול עלה נדף).
שהרי מתקרב קץ גלותנו, גלות אחב"י שבאה"ק ת"ו ובחו"ל גם יחד.
* * *
על של עתה באתי – שהו"ל לאחרונה ומצו"ב.
מאשר הנני קבלת רשימותיו מאז ומקדם. ות"ח ע"ז. ובקשה כפולה – על להבא שיוסיף כהנה וכהנה, ואל יתחשב כלל בהעדר האישור מכאן (מפני הטרדות וכו') – שהרי שכר מצוה מצוה.
* * *
נ"ב . ז"ע נתקבלו הספרים (חומש עם פרש"י – כתב-יד; שו"ת מנחת אלעזר) ות"ח ת"ח,
מ. ש.
* * *
בברכת הצלחה בעבוה"ק כרצון בעל השמחה – מוסיף והולך ומוסיף בכמות (שבזה אין מקום לטעות) ובאיכות.
נ.ב. ז"ע נתקבל מכתבו מעש"ק והפ"נ שבו יקרא בעת רצון עה"צ הק'.
לפלא שבכל מכתביו אין מזכיר דבר על הסתדרות הענין של האברך הנעלה וכו' . . שי' וניצולו ביותר ובפרט בנוגע הת' שי' מאנגליא (שזה תלוי בסיפוק צרכיו – סילוק דאגותיו).
* * *
ע"פ הנ"ל מובן שאין מקום להתפטרות מעניני בעל הגאולה, כ"א אדרבא .
בנוגע ל "ביתנו" – ע"פ עצת ידידים שעל אתר (ובפרט ששינויים חלים וכו').
בברכת הצלחה בעניני הרש"ת אהלי"י ובשאר עניניו ולבשו"ט מתוך שמחה.
* * *
בברכת מז"ט להבר מצוה דהבן דוד שליט"א.