501 —הפצת סיפורים חסידיים, התחדשות התורה, והשראת הקהילה

B"H, 6th of Tammuz, 5709.

Shneor Zalman Duchman.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter. Enclosed are: the kuntres for the Festival of Redemption, a letter from Machane Yisrael, and last but not least, a letter regarding the date of the gathering. Certainly you will find appropriate ways to merit the public with all three.

I have already written to Reb Moshe Pinchas HaKohen that now is the time for everyone in your surroundings to be gathered under the banner of Anash (our community), as it is written "to you."

Regarding what you wrote—that it is known among chassidim that Reb Hillel Paritcher never saw the Alter Rebbe—this is true. The way Reb Hillel heard a maamar from the Alter Rebbe: We heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, some years ago that Reb Hillel greatly longed to see the Alter Rebbe. When the Alter Rebbe traveled through that region, Reb Hillel followed him; but everywhere he arrived they told him that just now the Alter Rebbe had left. Reb Hillel devised a plan: he went ahead to a city where it was expected that the Alter Rebbe would stay for some time. In a room prepared for the Alter Rebbe, Reb Hillel hid under a bench. His intention was that after hearing a maamar he would come out from his hiding place and also ask his pressing question in Tractate Erchin. While lying under the bench he heard the voice of the Alter Rebbe singing in his usual tune: "A young man who has a question in Erchin must himself become more 'erech' (worthy)." Upon hearing this, Reb Hillel fainted. When he awoke from his fainting spell, the Alter Rebbe had already left town.

Separately sent to you for public benefit: A report on Chicago and collections with a maamar about techiyas hameisim (resurrection) as you requested. The first collection has long been out of print.

The renewal of Torah at all times is necessary according to what is written in Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah chapter 2 regarding Nigleh d'Torah (the revealed part), which is called Torah Or. In Chassidus it is explained further in "BeYom HaSheini" (2 Nissan 5685) and in discourses on Simchas Torah (now being printed). There it also explains the difference between renewal in Torah, souls, and worlds (it seems there that souls do not require renewal; this appears completely untenable—but this is not for now).

A proof for Torah's renewal—besides from the blessing "Giver of the Torah" in present tense—is also brought from our Sages (Yalkut Shimoni Eicha): "Whoever reads and studies [Torah], G‑d reads and studies opposite him," and from Sifri Va'eschanan: "Every day they should be as new in your eyes."

With blessings to all your group,
M. Schneerson
From a copy of this letter.
R. ... Duchman: Additional letters to him—see above letter 419 and those referenced there.
I wrote to RMP: In previous correspondence.
That it is known...the Alter Rebbe: So how does this fit with what is told in Likkutei Dibburim vol. 3 p. 724a.
We heard from my father-in-law...: See Likkutei Sichos vol. 2 p. 400; vol. 22 p. 171.
The maamar about techiyas hameisim: See above vol. 2 letter 200.
Afterwards: If one should establish an annual holiday on the day a miracle occurred—see Sdei Chemed Klalim section 29.

Summary

This letter encourages sharing chassidic teachings with others, highlights stories of longing for spiritual connection, and emphasizes that Torah must be renewed constantly—both in study and inspiration—for every generation.