25 —פירוש תמים, תשובה ותפקידו של רבי

B"H, 8th of Tishrei, 5703.

Montreal.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your "L'Shanah Tovah" letter: Whoever blesses will be blessed with abundant blessings, both spiritually and physically, with much good upon the essential. The name "Tamim" (wholesome) means that one is complete in fulfilling Torah and mitzvos. According to our Sages, the 248 positive commandments correspond to the body's 248 limbs, and the 365 prohibitions correspond to its 365 sinews. Chassidus, which reveals the inner dimension within everything, explains (see Likkutei Torah, discourse Ki HaMitzvah p.262 and elsewhere) that to be "Tamim" through Torah and mitzvos is achieved when their fulfillment is such that Havayah—the Divine Name upon which all mitzvos depend—becomes your G‑d (your strength and vitality), so that the learner becomes united with Torah and his learning is in his hand. This is accomplished through the preparation of avodah in prayer (see Torah Or discourse HaBa'im Yashresh; Likkutei Torah Ki Savo etc.).

If someone has sinned and strayed from the path—becoming blemished by this—then the remedy is teshuvah (repentance), for teshuvah brings healing to the world. However, healing only applies from now on; part of his status as blemished remains (Yoma 86a). He does not yet return to being a Tamim as before until he reaches a higher level—teshuvah from great love and depth of heart, where even intentional sins become merits (Tanya ch.7). This uproots the sin from its source. Achieving such teshuvah—which must be "with all your might" (see Likkutei Torah discourse V'Lo Avah)—is possible through a Rebbe, for a wise man can uproot from its root (Kesubos 74b), by seeking and finding within the sinner himself an opening for regret. It is worth noting that only a wise man can find this opening for regret—as seen from the teaching about four things people regret regarding their evil inclination (Sukkah 52b).

Very soon may we all merit Moshiach—who will bring back even tzaddikim—with all our soul—in complete teshuvah—with all our might. See also Igros Kodesh IV:64 and Likkutei Torah discourse Lehavin Inyan Yom Tov Sheini Shel Galuyos.

With blessings for a good sealing and gmar chasimah tovah—for immediate teshuvah, immediate life, immediate redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true wholeness in serving G‑d comes through total dedication to Torah and mitzvos. Even if one stumbles, deep teshuvah—especially with guidance from a Rebbe—can restore spiritual wholeness and bring about redemption.