32 —עידוד זריזות בפעולות מחנה ישראל וענין הכוונה

B"H, 21 Cheshvan, 5703.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter:

A. The reason why members of "Machane Yisrael" are reminded each month about their commitment to perform four actions is because the matter of encouragement is very great. See Sifrei Naso and Midrash Rabbah chapter 4: "We only encourage those who are already zealous." And in Torat Kohanim at the beginning of Parshat Tzav—as brought in Rashi on the verse "Tzav et Aharon"—the word "tzav" always means encouragement, and Kohanim are already zealous (Shabbat 20a).

B. Regarding your comment about the issue of modesty—certainly it is not necessary to publicize every action, and four actions suffice—and even this is known only to the administration of "Machane Yisrael." Surely what remains hidden is much greater than what is revealed, for four actions over a month is a very small amount—and only because they wanted to establish an equal contribution for every member did they settle on four actions. It is very likely that those who have only four actions in an entire month—if not for the reminder and notification to the administration—even these would not be done. However, they fall under the category of "one should always engage [in Torah and mitzvot] even not for its own sake, for from doing so not for its own sake one comes to do so for its own sake" (Pesachim 50b), and Tosafot there explains that it means in order to be honored. In Hilchot Talmud Torah of Admor Hazaken chapter 4:3 he explains even lower levels. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 29.

C. Regarding your comment that this diminishes the aspect of lishmah (for its own sake)—with just four actions over a month there is nothing to boast about when you consider what is explained in Chassidus: "Yamim yutzaru v'lo echad bahem" (days were formed but not one among them), that in several days—time which is a loss that cannot be recovered—not even one aspect was accomplished (see Likkutei Torah at the end of Parshat Shelach). At the same time, these days were created and given to a person so that each day he fulfills his mission below—that there should be at least one among them (with a vav) as stated elsewhere, including in the discourse "Tov li Torat picha" from 5705 (and here it is explained according to kri and in Likkutei Torah as per ketiv; see also Rashi who brings two explanations; see also Sotah 31a).

Surely you have heard what my revered father-in-law said at the Simchat Torah meal this year regarding: A Jew is 'echad' (one), and concluded: This 'echad' must be felt not only within oneself but must also affect others. Especially when considering that each day’s curse exceeds that of its fellow (Sotah 49a), it follows all the more so that in goodness there must be an increase each day compared to its fellow—that one should go from strength to strength in this world. It can be said that this is why Sotah concludes: "And upon what does the world stand? On sanctification of G‑d’s Name and Torah study" (see Rashi there), which fits with matters relating to synagogue and study hall—this being going from strength to strength (end of Berachot). But in Sotah it refers generally to the whole world—so all Israel must have a part in sanctity etc., unlike Berachot which refers to individuals.

May Hashem grant us complete days so that "the number of your days I will fulfill" (see Torah Ohr at end of Mishpatim), which can be understood as similar to complete teshuvah through which comes complete redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that reminders serve as positive motivation even for those already motivated, emphasizes sincerity over publicity, and encourages continual growth—reminding us that every day offers new opportunities for meaningful action.