Instructions regarding the publication of chassidic texts in Germany

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An explanation of several concepts in Chassidus

No. 330

This letter was addressed to R. Yehudah Chitrik, one of the active members of the chassidic community in Belgium at that time.

B"H, 26 Shvat, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

We received your letter. Enclosed is a specific letter detailing the conditions and the manner in which [the texts] should be distributed. Certainly, as is true with regard to other endeavors of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, this also will meet with success.

With regard to the conclusion of your letter (which came as a response to my words that one must [extend himself and] filter through to a colleague):[301] "What can one do if he is enclosed in his room? How can he be taken out of his locust skin?" [In that context,] my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, wrote in one of his letters (quoting the Rebbe Rashab): "When a lantern is kindled, all those who seek light gravitate to it."

To focus on his wording: He employed the term chafeitzim (translated as "seek"). chafeitz, in contrast to rotzeh, refers to inner will and desire (see the maamar entitled Tovah HaEretz in Likkutei Torah, Parshas Shelach). The inner desire of every Jew is perfectly [bound] with G-d and His Torah, the Torah of light. As is well known, proof of this concept can be seen from the law governing a bill of divorce given under compulsion, as Rambam writes in the conclusion of ch. 2 of Hilchos Gerushin.[302]

With regard to your statement that perhaps the oil does not shine within himself because it is rancid: Rancid oil also permeates and it also sheds light. It is only that its light is not that bright. Obviously, it takes one out of darkness and can also be considered as kindling a light, as obvious from the Talmud and the halachic authorities and as can be seen in actual fact.

In general, of what value is [it for you to] write such statements if it does not bring about an advance in Torah, Divine service, or deeds of kindness? And if it prevents such service, it is forbidden.

Every person is an emissary [sent to] his place [by] Divine providence. He need only begin acting to fulfill his mission and he will certainly be successful. Moreover, it will lead to both spiritual and material well-being.

With wishes for success and for everlasting good in all matters,

M. Schneerson

   

Notes:

301. (Back to text) [See Letter 316.]

302. (Back to text) [There Rambam writes that although ordinarily a bill of divorce given under compulsion is not acceptable, when the Rabbis compel a person to give a bill of divorce, it is considered as if he gave it willingly. Why? Because "He wants to be part of the Jewish people and he wants to fulfill all the mitzvos."]

Instructions regarding the publication of chassidic texts in Germany

Table of contents

Search this book:

An explanation of several concepts in Chassidus