Explanations regarding the differences between the four spiritual worlds

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Correspondence with a chassid

No. 392

This letter was addressed to R. Menachem Zev Greenglass, one of the leaders of the Lubavitcher community in Montreal.

B"H, 10 Elul, 5708

Greetings and blessings,

Your letter together with the enclosed $95 from Mr. Dalfon arrived. Most certainly, it is merely a beginning. Thank you.

My response was delayed because of my preoccupation with the publication of the summaries and notes of the Tzemach Tzedek to the Tanya together with some other additions. It is my hope that the printing will be completed next week.

The texts Zecher Yuda and Tzror HaChayim are not in my possession....

To conclude with words of Torah: I was stirred by [a statement in the Tzemach Tzedek's Kitzurim to the Tanya] that is now being printed.[430] It quotes a saying of the Baal Shem Tov that even the angel Michael would exchange all of his spiritual service for the sake of one of the four tzitzios of a Jew. Among the details [that warrant explanation]: Why did [the Baal Shem Tov] speak of tzitzis? And why does he speak of one tzitzis instead of one strand?

It is possible to explain the above based on the statement (Zohar III, 216a)[431] that Michael is [one of the supports] of the Divine chariot. For the names of these supports[432] are described with the acronym gemara.[433] And the Tikkunei Zohar (Tikkun 10) states that anyone who wears tzitzis is considered as if he prepared G-d's throne. Therefore [Michael] states that although tzitzis is only "as if he prepared...," he would give all of his service for this. And he states precisely one out of four tzitzios. For all of this applies only to Michael. In my notes, I also explained this statement according to the revealed teachings of Torah law.

With blessings for a kesivah vachasimah tovah and with regards to all those who seek our welfare,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

430. (Back to text) [The statement is found on p. 46 of the text. See also the Rebbe's notes, p. 150.]

431. (Back to text) [Perhaps the intent is Zohar III, 217a; or 227a.]

432. (Back to text) [Gavriel, Michael, Rafael, and Uriel. See Zohar I, 97b; III, 118a.]

433. (Back to text) [See Kehillas Yaakov, erech Gemara.]

Explanations regarding the differences between the four spiritual worlds

Table of contents

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Correspondence with a chassid