213 —מיזמי הדפסה, חובות ספרים, ומשמעות רוחנית של המזבח הפנימי

B"H, Erev Shabbat Kodesh Parshat Tetzaveh, 5706.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

a) Thank you for sending me the holy letter which you received from the guardians of the wall, etc., in Yerushalayim. It would be appropriate to strongly warn them—if you have the ability—not to use the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita (such as reprinting his letters from then) without first receiving his permission for this. Of course, this warning should not be in my name but rather in the name of the group of Chabad chassidim. If you do anything about this out of your goodwill, please inform me accordingly.

b) Thank you for sending the letter from Shanghai regarding printing there; a similar letter was also received by R. A. Paris, and I wrote to them about my revered father-in-law’s suggestions on this—a major plan in the field of printing. If they agree to our proposal, we can hope for a great revelation of light that is truly good. The letter is enclosed.

c) His books were taken some time ago by the student Witzki; surely you have already heard about this.

d) I hope that in the coming week "Mayim Rabim," "tzt"z," and "HaHaskalah" will be published—and perhaps also Sefer HaSichos of my revered father-in-law (mimeographed). I noticed that his debt has grown again; what is the arrangement for sending more books and adding debt upon debt when lack of funds delays printing for education etc.? And during all these five years was it not possible to find even one or two donors in your entire country who would give two or three thousand (dollars), which would suffice for what is sent to them over two or three years? It is a shame to spend time mentioning and collecting debts.

e) I hope that next week I will be able to send to Beit Din Sichot from summer 5709 (beginning with Tammuz) belonging to Mr. Dalphon. Because of additions, I estimate that printing expenses will be about $400 (80 pages bound like "Kuntres Torat HaChassidut"). So far $175 has been sent. Will he complete the rest and when? Please inform me soon so there will not be a delay in printing.

f) What are your comments on "Kuntres Torat HaChassidut"? According to the saying: "One must live with the times" (Kuntres Bikur Chicago): Torah commentators have already discussed why the matter of the inner altar is explained separately in this week's portion—Tetzaveh—and not together with other altar vessels (see Ramban and Sforno). The reason can be explained according to Chassidus: The inner altar represents the innermost part of the heart (see Likkutei Torah and Shaavtem HaMayim vol. 1 p. 61), which is even higher than intellect (see Likkutei Torah V'haya Bayom Hahu Yitaka p. 63 and elsewhere), even though it is found within the body—the sanctuary hall—and not in the head—the Holy of Holies; and service here is unique within the soul, unrelated to other aspects of holiness—especially according to what is written in Maamar Mizbeach Adama—Reshimot attributed apparently to tzt"z—and in Maamar Ze Yitnu 258: Mizbeach Adama and stones represent externality of heart; illumination from inner heart; inner altar means essence of inner heart—not just illumination of its point—as explained in Likkutei Torah Maamar Ki Tetzeh vol. 2 p. 62b.

Summary

This letter emphasizes responsible stewardship over sacred texts and names, addresses practical challenges in communal publishing efforts—including financial responsibility—and offers a deep Chassidic insight into how true spiritual service comes from one's innermost heart.