232 —הדרכה על הדפסה, הפצה, ושמירת כוונה אמיתית בעבודה

B"H, 17 Sivan, 5706.

Shanghei.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to the details relayed to me by Reb Garfinkel: a) I have already written by instruction of my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita not to print anything that has been published by one of his institutions without first requesting permission from him in advance; it makes no difference in which language it may be. Yet again "Talks," "Sheloh," etc. have been printed. We do not understand this conduct here—what does it mean? Certainly you will inform us so I will know what to tell my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita, or you should write directly to him.

b) The two hundred have already been delivered to Reb Harav Hagaon and the rest—those pertaining to the Siddur—will be given to him within four weeks as per your instructions. From the Siddur please send for now only two copies here to Kehot. The rest should remain with you (you may sell them in your community at a price not less than two and a half American dollars) until we notify where to send them.

c) Derech Mitzvosecha and Shaar HaKolel should be sent here. If they have not yet been bound, then send them unbound and we will print another title page here and perhaps add some supplements. Likewise, with anything printed from now on—if for any reason there is no time to wait to send the title page and supplements, then send them here unbound.

d) Torah Chaim and Peirush HaMishnayos of the Mitteler Rebbe have been sent to you and are surely being printed. I repeat again my request: inform me which books (and from which printings) from the list in my first letter you have in good condition so we do not need to search for them here. Especially important is Torah Or (Zhitomir edition 5622).

e) Matters of printing for Yehudi HaTza'ir were sent as per your request. Also, what will be published soon in English (it would be good if all Talmidei HaTalmud Torah would sign up for "Shmuessen" and "Talks")—their price should be credited toward printing costs there.

f) If there are among our brethren—especially among the younger generation—those who only understand the local language (Chinese), it is worthwhile to translate—in a way that ensures a good and faithful translation—those of our most necessary publications according to their spiritual state (Shabbos, Tefillin, Torah and Israel, books for holidays, sayings from Yalkut Yomi English edition, etc.). Perhaps also part of the talks and biography of my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita. Please inform me immediately of your opinion on this.

In this week's parsha on the verse "Vaya'as Ken Aharon" (And Aharon did so), our Sages say—and Rashi brings—that this tells Aharon's praise that he did not change. In Likkutei Torah by the Arizal it is explained why specifically here does Scripture tell us he did not change: because seemingly there is a change—for Moshe was commanded: "El Mul Pnei HaMenorah Ya'iru Shiv'at HaNeirot" (toward the face of the Menorah shall seven lamps shine), meaning immediately at the start of kindling; but regarding Aharon it says: "El Mul Pnei HaMenorah He'elah Neiroteha" (he kindled its lamps toward the face of the Menorah), meaning after the flame already rose up; therefore he explains that he did not change—even at the very start of kindling it was toward its face. But he adds that even after the flame rose up it was also so—and this addition is praiseworthy. This is his content's gist.

The explanation according to Chassidus: At the beginning of avodah (there is no service like service out of love—a kohen is a man of kindness and love), it is easy still to direct that it should be truly toward its face—the true intent of the mitzvah; but when the flame rises up—the intensity of yearning—and one finds many rationalizations how best to express this yearning, ultimately one can miss the intent and think this is G-d's will when it's really one's own reasoning. Therefore extra caution and acceptance of yoke are needed. This is Aharon's praise—who draws down great love into Israel's souls—in such a way that he does not change.

Summary

The Rebbe provides detailed guidance on publishing protocols and stresses that even as one's spiritual passion grows stronger (“the flame rises”), one must maintain unwavering fidelity to true intent in serving G-d—just as Aharon did not deviate from his mission.