An explanation of ch. 20 of Tanya

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An explanation of the adage: "When a lantern is kindled, all those who seek light gravitate to it"

No. 329

This letter was addressed to R. David Bravman, a chassid who was charged with overseeing the publication of texts of Chassidus in Germany after WWII.

B"H, 25 Shvat, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 2 Shvat (I conveyed the letter that was enclosed for my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, to him, for I do not desire to take any responsibility with regard to these matters of yours):

1. Again, I urge you to hurry the printing and the dispatch [of the texts] as much as possible.

2. You may also send [the books] to the addresses of Machne Yisrael and Kehot. Until now, only five packages of Tanyas were received and [in them], there were several copies with blank or missing pages.

3. Print Torah Or from the Vilna printing of 5659 and Likkutei Torah from the Vilna printing of 5664 which you write that you possess. Certainly [you will include] the additions at the conclusion of Torah Or, and the list of corrections at the end of Likkutei Torah. I will send the text for the title pages and for the introduction when you inform me that you have applied yourselves to printing these [texts].

   Similar [concepts apply] with regard to the Piskei Dinim [of the Tzemach Tzedek]. (At the conclusion of the Piskei Dinim, there should be pages 69 and 70 and seven pages [listing] omissions and corrections. Be careful in this regard, for these are lacking in several copies.)

4. According to your suggestion, you can fix the prices in the nearby areas as follows: Tanya, Sefer HaMaamarim and Sefer HaSichos, each one between 30 and 35 cents; Sifreinu, Vol. IV, between 25 and 30 cents; Pokeiach Ivrim and Sifreinu, Vols. I and II, each one between 10 and 15 cents.

5. If it is possible to find a pocket-sized Tehillim, 2000 copies should be printed. Inform me which printing is available to you and I will clarify whether it is necessary to make any changes. In any case, an addition must be made at the beginning of the text with regard to the establishment of the custom of reciting Tehillim communally [every day] (as was printed in the Siddur Torah Or or at the conclusion of the daily study schedule).

6. I encouraged R. Benyamin Gorodetzky as you requested. Nevertheless, I am being asked: "Over half a year ago, we began printing: Where are the books?" This is particularly true since others [in America] have received texts printed in your community although they began speaking of printing them a certain time after you began your involvement with our texts. Similarly, some people have received Tanyas and are selling them. And a letter arrived saying that the Joint donated money for the printing of Pokeiach Ivrim. I don't know how to answer [these questions]. Please be so good as to inform me with regard to all this promptly [so that] I will know how to answer those who question me.

7. Send (by registered mail) 50 copies of Sifreinu, Vol. I, to the following address: Beth Jacob School, 2317 Constitucion, Montevideo, Uruguay.

8. I heard that you printed several copies of Likkutei Dibburim and the sichos in your community. Please be so good as to send us some copies of each one for our library.

9. Certainly, our emissaries Posner and Baumgarten will visit you. It is desirable for you to consult with them. Perhaps they will be able to send here the texts that have already been printed.

10. If you are planning to travel [to Eretz Yisrael],[300] how will you arrange that the printing project will come to a positive outcome? Besides for the money and the effort invested in this, [the failure to do so] will be a desecration of G-d's name after the publicity that has been made. [And it will cause] great anguish to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.

Waiting for your prompt reply and with wishes for everlasting good in all matters,

M. Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

Enclosed is a letter to R. Shneur Zalman Kalmanson. Please give it to him.

Certainly you will acknowledge receipt of this letter.

   

Notes:

300. (Back to text) [See Letter 306.]

An explanation of ch. 20 of Tanya

Table of contents

Search this book:

An explanation of the adage: "When a lantern is kindled, all those who seek light gravitate to it"