497 —על שיתוף מכתבים לי"ב תמוז וחשיבות המצות בגשמיות

B"H, 4th of Tammuz, 5709.

Haraha"ch vavach"ch iy"a nu"m etc. Baruch Tzvi Wilshansky

Shalom u'Vrachah!

You have surely already received my lengthy letter and will confirm its receipt. Regarding now, I am enclosing a letter for the Festival of Redemption (Yud Beis Tammuz), intended to bring merit to the many. Also enclosed is a letter from Machaneinu Yisrael, and I am certain you will do all that is necessary with it in an appropriate manner concerning all Anash in our camp.

Last but not least, I am enclosing a letter about the event’s date. Although there is certainly no need to urge you further, as our Sages say: "We only urge those who are already diligent," nevertheless I am doing so as well.

It is well known in Chassidus in many places the great virtue that mitzvos are performed specifically in physicality. However, after this one must not forget that the ultimate goal is spirituality (see Likkutei Torah at the beginning of Parshas Shemini). The same applies to your profession: ultimately one must strive to affect the "foreskin of the heart" of those around him spiritually, as explained in Iggeres HaKodesh section 4 and also at the end of the maamar enclosed in the booklet.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while mitzvos must be performed physically, their true purpose is spiritual refinement—both for oneself and for those around us. Sharing chassidic teachings and letters helps uplift others and fulfills this dual mission.