827 —חיזוק המחויבות וההשפעה

B"H, 17 Kislev, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Due to many preoccupations, I do not have time to respond to letters immediately upon receipt, nor at the appropriate length. To some extent, I try to answer the common points raised in several letters received during times of gatherings on Shabbat Mevarchim and similar occasions. Certainly, you will find answers to some of your questions in my introductions to the booklets being published, as well as in the talks from Shabbat Parshat Bereishit and Parshat Lech Lecha that are enclosed. Especially regarding your letter and your request for responses to your letters: it is obvious that I will do so as much as possible, provided you are not upset if my reply is delayed due to numerous obligations.

(a) Regarding what you wrote about the Conservatives and Reform gaining strength and success: many times we have heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m—and this is based on what is written in several books of our Sages—that the existence of kelipah (spiritual opposition) is only an absence (of holiness). There are two ways this manifests: one is clarification (birur), where there is a good element within the opposing side that must be refined and elevated; the other is a test (nisayon), where breaking and rejecting it is its rectification. When one stands firmly against it, it automatically nullifies itself. Then one sees with physical eyes that even at first there was nothing substantial—just a matter of a test. Similarly, I have seen in several matters concerning you that you viewed them as opposing forces fighting against you; all this was only a test—there was never any real basis for concern. Moreover, with proper firmness, the opposition would be nullified without leaving any trace of distress G‑d forbid.

(b) Regarding your desire to fulfill the will of my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m: I never doubted this. However, sometimes the 'clever one' tries to explain through various schemes that it is impossible to fulfill this will due to many reasons (which have no substance). In my opinion, what needs fundamental change is one's approach—since this is indeed my father-in-law's will, it must certainly be possible to fulfill it; one must simply seek advice and methods for fulfilling it with minimal friction and as peacefully as possible.

(c) A general directive for your conduct: you must know clearly that my father-in-law wanted you to influence the spiritual life of the city...and be their spiritual leader—especially for Jews living there...and only secondarily concerning... Unfortunately, according to reports, you are more involved in the latter while in the former—relative to your abilities—the activities are few. The fact that someone else might have done even less than you does not suffice as an excuse; "to each camel according to its load." See also in the talk from Parshat Lech Lecha at the end of section 25. Please forgive me for these words—it pains me to see a city with hundreds of thousands of Jews and such broad opportunity for work—and people suitable for such work—and yet so much remains undone regarding Judaism, Torah and mitzvos—and certainly regarding Chassidus.

(f) Regarding the event on Simchas Torah night at your synagogue: I already told you by phone that in my opinion you should arrange for three (or five) additional chapters of Tehillim to be recited daily after prayers beyond those already said. Also at one of the upcoming fasts—now Asarah B'Teves since Behab has passed—you should try that a full minyan from your synagogue fasts.

(g) A general letter and booklet related to Yud Tes Kislev were sent earlier; surely you have Megillas Yud Tes Kislev. Certainly share good news from Yud Tes Kislev celebrations wherever your influence reaches. In places where it's hard to gather crowds midweek—in addition to celebrating on Yud Tes Kislev—it may be worthwhile arranging something on the following Shabbat and emphasizing its connection with Yud Tes Kislev.

I hope to hear good news from you generally and specifically—especially regarding your wife's health. I conclude with blessings in the wording established by my father-in-law—the Rebbe hk"m: "For a good year in learning Chassidus and following its ways—may you be inscribed and sealed." Awaiting good tidings,
Menachem Schneerson

Just now I received your minyan list; G‑d willing I will read them tomorrow at the Ohel.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that steadfastness against spiritual challenges leads to their nullification and urges proactive leadership focused on spiritual influence over one's community. He encourages seeking practical solutions despite obstacles and sharing positive developments widely.