1192 —ח"י אלול, הפנימיות של התורה, והבאת חיות ללימוד

B"H, 13 Elul, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Yosef

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I am sending herewith the booklet "Chai Elul," may it be published in due time, and surely you will merit to share it with all those upon whom you have influence, in the light of Torah and the illumination within Torah found in this booklet.

It is briefly mentioned in my introduction to the booklet—based on the saying of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal—that the effect of Chai Elul is to bring vitality into every aspect of a person's service, including especially in the area of Torah study.

This can be further explained according to our Sages: "If he merits, it becomes for him an elixir of life; if not, it becomes for him... an elixir of death." Although words of Torah are compared to fire and therefore do not contract impurity—meaning that Torah itself does not contract impurity—its effect on a person depends on his merit. If he does not merit (as our Sages precisely say: "it becomes for him..."), then learning without merit means Torah without awe of Heaven; Torah study with forgetfulness about the Giver of the Torah; thus one might learn not in order to do. This is only possible when one is not engaged in love and awe of Hashem, His unity, etc., especially when immersed in worldly matters and materialism. This is not so with learning the inner dimension of Torah—called "the Tree of Life"—which does not descend into enclothement for clarifying sparks but rather deals with love and awe of Hashem, His unity, etc., or with knowledge of the order of Hishtalshelus (the chain-like progression), which leads one to love and awe. This brings one to serve with a whole heart and truly live through one's engagement with Torah.

Since it serves as a soul for the revealed aspect of Torah, it also brings vitality into learning revealed Torah—especially as taught by the Baal Shem Tov z"l whom our holy ancestors bequeathed us—who reveal and explain G‑d's greatness and exaltedness. As our master the Alter Rebbe writes in Iggeres HaKodesh: knowledge about existence from Hishtalshelus brings one to a whole heart—which is primary.

Especially in these days when we all pray: "Lecha amar libi bakshu panai" (To You my heart says: Seek My face)—to search after innerness of heart—which is achieved through "et panecha Hashem avakesh" (Your face Hashem I seek), there must be involvement in love and awe of Hashem and study and contemplation that lead to this. This is the best preparation for drawing down and revealing: "Hashem ori—on Rosh Hashanah—and yishi—on Yom Kippur," to be inscribed and sealed for a good year—in visible goodness both materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Chai Elul inspires us to infuse vitality into all areas of divine service by engaging deeply with both revealed and inner dimensions of Torah. This approach prepares us spiritually for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur through heartfelt connection with Hashem.