A request for stories regarding chassidim of the earlier generations

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The need to break the cycle of complacency and begin outreach activities in earnest

No. 463

This letter was addressed to R. Mordechai HaCohen Perlow.

B"H, 10 Adar, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

Your letters of the 10th and 26th of Shvat were received. Enclosed is a kuntreis that was just published which you will no doubt share with people at large. We sought to purchase the text Kav Naki for you, but it is not available among the booksellers.

My inference[285] with regard to the reward for those who participate in the division of the Talmud [286] is not only that they will have a share in [the study of] the entire Talmud. (For it is obvious that the study of the tractate of Berachos alone is not comparable to the same tractate being studied as part of the study of the entire Talmud. For as explained there, then there is also an inclusive light; see Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, the beginning of ch. 12.) [Instead,] the intent is that his reward will be as if he has studied the entire Talmud. This is the point of the proof from the Shabbos laws — that there is only one measure for all those involved; i.e., all are liable [as if they alone committed the transgression] in its entirety.

With the question you posed to me previously, that [there are those] — among them the Tzemach Tzedek[287] — who did not wish to allow for leniencies regarding using an agent to receive [a get] and your request regarding my revered father’s ruling:

I did not hear anything from my revered father concerning this issue, nor do I clearly remember his conduct in this regard. In general, however, since that time, leniency has been shown with regard to certain related matters because of the far-flung Diaspora and the difficult times [experienced by our people] — in a spiritual sense as well. Such matters should be clarified with the Rabbinic leaders of the chassidic brotherhood. They no doubt possess directives regarding actual practice from the era which followed the first World War. [In relation to this, we find the principle:] “Our Sages applied themselves diligently in order to rectify [the difficulties of] Jewish women.”[288]

With greetings for a happy and high-spirited Purim,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

285. (Back to text) [See Letter No. 438.]

286. (Back to text) [See Letter No. 433, Note 8.]

287. (Back to text) [See his responsa, Even HaEzer, responsa 274-278.]

288. (Back to text) [Cf. Ketubos 2a, et al.]

A request for stories regarding chassidim of the earlier generations

Table of contents

Search this book:

The need to break the cycle of complacency and begin outreach activities in earnest