276 —שכר על תמיכה בהדפסת ספרי אדמו"ר האמצעי

B"H, 7 Menachem Av, 5707.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is with joy that we have learned that your efforts, with G-d's help, have succeeded and you have collected part of the necessary funds for printing the Mitteler Rebbe's books, and that these books have already been published and surely have already been sent here as discussed. Undoubtedly, you are still striving as much as possible to increase the amount collected in order to complete at least another part of what is lacking for expenses.

The greatness of the merit in this matter in general certainly needs no explanation, all the more so not lengthy elaboration for people like yourselves. I write only to emphasize that its reward is great—to protect and illuminate both in the World to Come and in this world, both spiritually and physically. This is understood from our Sages (Sanhedrin 90a): all of the Holy One's measures are measure for measure, both in this world and in the World to Come. For it is said: "There is no reward for a mitzvah in this world" (Kiddushin 39b). The reason is that since the reward for a mitzvah commanded by the Infinite Light—Who is unlimited—and one fulfills His will, so too is its reward infinite and without limit. Therefore it cannot be contained within this limited physical world (see Iggeres HaKodesh sec. 3).

This applies to mitzvos in general. However, there are mitzvos through which one also effects something tangible in this world by fulfilling them; thus, beyond their aforementioned infinite quality, fulfilling such a mitzvah also has an effect here below (see Rambam's Commentary on Mishnah Peah 1:1). Therefore, its reward also includes two aspects: primarily reserved for the World to Come, but with a secondary aspect even here in this world.

How many great Jewish leaders longed (Yevamos 96b; Bechoros 31b; Zohar I:217b) that their teachings would be repeated in this world while their souls are above—so they would dwell in both worlds: above and below. Therefore, those who cause this by helping spread their Torah receive measure for measure—reward both above and below, spiritually and physically.

Torah and mitzvos were given specifically to a soul within a body (Shabbos 88b), but their main connection and effect is on the soul—which is spiritual—not on the material body. When one acts upon one's body it is usually to break it so it does what is contrary to its nature. The Baal Shem Tov came and paved a path of serving G-d with one's body—and with joy—not through breaking or self-affliction. As known from his teaching on "When you see your enemy's donkey..." (see Hayom Yom p.23), explained elsewhere in Chassidus.

Therefore, when spreading Torah—as in our case—with Chassidus, one causes those who learn it to connect with "the Tree of Life," not through self-affliction but through joy; thus his reward is measure for measure: spiritual as well as material goodness—abundant good both spiritually and physically.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that supporting the printing of Chassidus brings immense merit and dual blessing—spiritual and material—in both worlds. Spreading Torah with joy connects us deeply to G-dliness and draws down abundant good into our lives.