1749 —מענה על מכתבים, כתבי יד, וחשיבות הירידה הרוחנית

B"H, 2 Menachem Av, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z etc. Moreinu HaRav Hillel Pevzner

Shalom u'Vrachah!

For some time now I have been preparing to fulfill my promise that I made to you long ago to respond properly to your letters, together with the maamar of the Rebbe Tzaddik and Gaon etc., my revered father-in-law the Rashab, "Olat Tamid," and a summary of the maamar "Naftali Ayalah Shluha" from the year 5627 (1867), as well as the indexes from book 20 beginning with "VeZeh Asher Taaseh," whose receipt I already confirmed some time ago. However, due to many preoccupations I was unable until now; so at least I will respond briefly.

b) It is possible that these bichelech are among those that belonged to my father-in-law the Rebbe; among them were also bichelech that were purchased from Chassidim or given by Chassidim as gifts. Therefore, it is possible that in some bichel it is recorded that it belongs to a certain person and was later given over to my father-in-law the Rebbe or even to his father, my grandfather the Rebbe (the Rashab) of blessed memory...

c) As appears from the summary of the maamar "Naftali Ayalah Shluha," it is based on the maamar "Zeh" printed in Sefer Or HaTorah on Bereishit by tzt"z. But apparently only based on it; from what you sent me, your version is more elaborate than what was printed. Nevertheless, if you have Sefer Or HaTorah (it was among the books of Shabsi Ber Schneerson), it would be worthwhile to compare with what was printed and surely you will inform me about this. If you see that it is not what was printed in Or HaTorah, then it would be worthwhile to copy it in full and perhaps it will be printed as a supplement for Sefer 5627 (1867) which was published last year—since this maamar is missing there.

d) If editing of the indexes takes longer, then please inform me of the page number and beginning of each bichel—that is, the opening words of the first and second maamarim in each one—as well as whether there are any numbers or similar marks written on the back (rocken) or towel... And please convey my many thanks and appreciation in my name to your brother-in-law Haraha"ch Moreinu HaRav Shalom who according to your letter assisted you in copying the maamar and editing the indexes etc., and surely he will continue helping you with these matters; thanks also for his future help and assistance...

f) As a token of thanks I am enclosing supplements for Reshimos Eichah—an excerpt from what I said to students traveling on shlichus from Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch for strengthening Jewish spirit in cities across America. But truly, the content applies to every single Jew: for a soul's place is under the Throne of Glory from where it was hewn before descending secretly through many levels until this physical material world. Therefore it does not desire to descend—as our Sages say: 'Against your will you live.' Yet specifically through this descent from a lofty height can there be an even greater ascent—as explained often in Chassidus. Even though this matter cannot be understood intellectually—especially regarding each soul's unique mission—about this it says: 'Ach B'Goral Techalek HaAretz' (But by lot shall you divide the land), as explained in the attached note.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every soul’s descent into this world enables its greatest ascent. Even when we do not understand our personal mission intellectually, we must recognize its Divine purpose and embrace our unique role with faith and dedication.