1196 —על תפלה בצבור ועבודת אמת

B"H, 16 Elul, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Yosef Yehuda

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 9th of Elul, in which you describe your daily schedule and conclude with a question: Because you are accustomed to praying slowly, you miss out on communal prayer, and sometimes even the proper time for prayer.

Answer: It is known that chassidim have a certain conduct regarding this matter, and often this was by directive of our holy Rebbeim, that concerning communal prayer they would participate by hearing Barechu, Kedushah (and the Torah reading) with a minyan, and then pray at their own pace—sometimes even at length. It is also well known the explanation brought in Kovetz HaTamim in the name of the Ovrutcher son of the Admor tzt"z that tefillah b'tzibur (prayer with the community) means gathering and uniting all ten soul powers in prayer...

Certainly you will participate in Chai Elul as planned, and also publicize content from the sichah of Shabbat Mevarchim Elul in an appropriate manner.

Since you are collecting for Beis Rivkah, you surely know the saying of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, which he told to emissaries and shadarim: "One should collect materiality and sow spirituality." May Hashem grant you abundant success in this dual work.

With blessings for a good inscription for him and all his family for a good and sweet year.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true communal prayer involves uniting all aspects of one's soul. Even when praying slowly or individually, one can connect deeply if focused properly. Material efforts should be paired with spiritual intent for true success.