Short notes critiquing a biography of the Baal Shem Tov

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Encouragement to continue following the path of the Rebbe Rayatz, particularly by studying his teachings; private notes to certain individuals

No. 623

This letter was sent to R. Shneur Zalman Serebryanski, the head of the Lubavitcher Yeshivah in Sheparton, Australia.

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In answer to your letter of 3 Sivan in the name of the entire chassidic brotherhood:

Thank you for the good tidings regarding the establishment of the yeshivah in Sheparton and the schedule of study. Convey a yashar koach[518] to the members of the chassidic brotherhood who gave of their souls, bodies, and resources to fulfill the mission delegated to them by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m, for the principle — "A person's agent is equivalent to the person himself"[519] — is imprinted on their memories (look thoroughly in the maamar entitled Vayikra, sec. 3,[520] in Likkutei Torah). They will not be held back by any obstacles or hindrances and, with G-d's help, will proceed higher and succeed.

The suggestions mentioned in your letter for expanding the yeshivah — both quantitatively and qualitatively — are desirable and you will certainly make plans on how to put them into action. Nevertheless, if it is impossible to achieve all the positive desires of your hearts, this should not be a reason for your spirits to fall even in the slightest. On the contrary, this should motivate one search after another to find a way to approach the ideal situation to the fullest extent possible. What requires extra care is not to err in one's understanding of the concept of humility, [but] that it should be in the manner described in the conclusion of the series of maamarim released for Shavuos this year.[521] Then, as a natural consequence, with the joy resulting from the observance of a mitzvah, you will stand fast on your watch,and simultaneously continue to endeavor to increase the number of students and the circle of supporters.

With regard to the schedule of study, it is desirable to include the study of frequently [observed] laws from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and the like.

I mentioned you when I was at the gravesite today, [asking for] success in your holy work and for all forms of good.

With hopes for good tidings concerning you in all matters — both material and spiritual — and with greetings to all of our fellowship who are certainly joined together through the study of the teachings of Chassidus, conduct according to chassidic qualities, and through following the ways of chassidim according to the instructions in all of the above from our Nasi, my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

518. (Back to text) [In free translation: "All the more power to you."]

519. (Back to text) [Kiddushin 42b, et al.]

520. (Back to text) [Likkutei Torah, Vayikra, p. 1c.]

521. (Back to text) [See Sefer HaMaamarim 5710, p. 237ff.]

Short notes critiquing a biography of the Baal Shem Tov

Table of contents

Search this book:

Encouragement to continue following the path of the Rebbe Rayatz, particularly by studying his teachings; private notes to certain individuals