Advice concerning obtaining a visa to immigrate to the U.S.

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The interrelation between bitachon, trust in G-d, and our efforts to make a medium for His blessings; analysis of the commentary's statements regarding the Egyptians' seizure of Sarah

No. 255

This letter was addressed to R. Avraham Goldberg.

B"H, Sunday, 9 Cheshvan, 5707

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 28 Elul, 5706, I was happy to hear that you safely arrived in our Holy Land. I was delighted [to hear that] you found a community of chassidic brethren where you could satisfy your thirst to study the Torah and know the path of G-d.

Certainly, you will attempt to influence others and draw them close to the Torah and its mitzvos and strengthen their observance.

There is a well-known statement of our Sages (Bereishis Rabbah 5:8): "Why was it named Eretz (land)? Because it desired[102] to perform the will of its Maker." [And the name] Yisrael [was given to Yaakov because:] "You struggled with angels and men and prevailed."[103]

Thus dwelling in Eretz Yisrael implies that one desires to perform the will of his Maker despite the fact that one will have to fight against other men and the powers of nature.[104] (For the celestial constellations and the angels are agents to direct him. Hence the word hateva, "nature," is numerically equivalent to the word Elokim, "angels," as stated in Shelah, tractate Pesachim, discourse 3). [This positive influence stems from the fact that] "the air of Eretz Yisrael makes one wise"[105] and assists one in preventing the spirit of folly from entering. ([As our Sages say:][106] "A person will not violate a transgression unless a spirit of folly enters him.")

We would be happy to hear about the good fortune that you find and about your activities to strengthen Torah and Yiddishkeit.

With wishes for all good,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

102. (Back to text) [Eretz, land, and ratztah, "desired," share the same letters in the Hebrew root.]

103. (Back to text) [Bereishis 32:29.]

104. (Back to text) [The word elohim , translated as "angels," in the verse from Bereishis cited above shares the numerical equivalent of the word hateva, "nature." This allows for the interpretation the Rebbe provides.]

105. (Back to text) [Bava Basra 158b.]

106. (Back to text) [Sotah 3a.]

Advice concerning obtaining a visa to immigrate to the U.S.

Table of contents

Search this book:

The interrelation between bitachon, trust in G-d, and our efforts to make a medium for His blessings; analysis of the commentary's statements regarding the Egyptians' seizure of Sarah