1142 —הדרכה על הוראה ושיפור אישי

B"H, 22 Menachem Av, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 11th of Menachem Av, in which you inform and ask my opinion: a) Regarding your involvement as a guide and teacher—as explained in detail in one of your previous letters—and you ask my opinion: This is indeed very proper. In all times and eras this work has been a heavenly task. Our Sages expounded on this regarding the verse 'VeHamaskilim Yazhiru KeZohar HaRakia U'Matzdikei HaRabim... LeOlam Va'ed' ("And those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the sky; and those who bring many to righteousness... forever and ever"). All the more so in our times, when the end of exile is near and it is necessary to prepare the Jewish people for the coming of Moshiach. Similarly to what was at the time of Matan Torah—our Sages said that if there had been one less than six hundred thousand, it would have delayed (G‑d forbid) the giving of the Torah. So too regarding leaving exile: it is known from our Sages that all must be meritorious, etc., and the merit of those involved in this is immeasurable.

b) You ask about personal improvement: Surely you keep to the daily study cycles that are accessible to all—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—as instituted by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe. In addition to this, you should set aside money for tzedakah every day—obviously except for Shabbos and Yom Tov—three times in the morning and three times before Minchah. All this should be done without a vow until after the upcoming Yom Kippur. Also accustom yourself to increase words of Torah or prayer while walking in the street...

With blessing that you should share good news regarding all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that guiding others spiritually is an especially vital mission as we approach redemption. He also stresses daily Torah study, regular charity, and filling even mundane moments with words of Torah or prayer for personal growth.