1541 —חמש עשרה דקות של התבוננות עצמית ועבודת ה' בשמחה

B"H, 3 Iyar 5712. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 12th of Nissan with the enclosed pan, the pan was read at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, at an auspicious time. Certainly, he will arouse mercy for each individual mentioned in the pan for what they need.

Regarding what you wrote about rectifying the past and your inability to fast, please look in Sefer Toldos Maharash, page 72, where there is a saying from the Rebbe Maharash: "Fasting does not mean not eating from sunrise to sunset; rather, fasting is an avodah (service). Think every day for fifteen minutes about yourself." The Rebbe Rashab concluded that through this practice a chassid is transformed not only in his soul powers but changes from one essence to another. My father-in-law, the Rebbe, added that from this story everyone should take out that each person should think for fifteen minutes every day about themselves.

In my opinion, this is in addition to the general instruction to try not to dwell on past faults and shortcomings. It appears that for you this is a tactic of the yetzer hara (evil inclination) to cause you to stumble into sadness and depression. Instead, hold onto the path of joy—serve Hashem with joy—which must include both aspects: service like a servant as explained in Torah Ohr at the beginning of Mishpatim (and this also includes the type called 'Canaanite servant,' which means he prefers ownerlessness but nevertheless serves Hashem), and specifically with joy.

For with even a little contemplation one will come to recognize how fortunate he is and how good his lot is that he merited to be a chassid. Therefore, whatever happens with him he can be certain that the Rebbe will set him on a true path of light. However, it is necessary to be strong in one's connection through studying Chassidus and matters of Ahavas Yisrael. The Alter Rebbe already ruled that 'Love your fellow as yourself' is the vessel for 'And you shall love Hashem your G‑d.'

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that dedicating fifteen minutes daily for honest self-reflection transforms a person deeply. He urges focusing on serving Hashem with joy rather than dwelling on past shortcomings, strengthening one's bond through Torah study and love for fellow Jews.