523 —ראש השנה בשבת, תשובה, ותפקיד ההשתדלות האנושית

B"H, 21 Elul, 5709.

Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"m etc. Yosef

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I am now sending my blessings for the upcoming year, for a good inscription and sealing in all matters, to him and all his household. Enclosed is the kuntres for Rosh Hashanah, which has just been published. In these days, when each individual is like the community for the whole year (Rosh Hashanah 18a), surely you will make sure that every single person under your influence studies this kuntres, at least in part if not entirely.

The heart of Israel is awake, especially at a time of closeness between the source of light and the spark (Kuntres HaAvodah end of chapter five). This year, since the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, it is known that this day is "Yoma D'Dina Kashya" (a day of severe judgment) (Pri Etz Chaim Shaar Rosh Hashanah ch. 4 and elsewhere), and through tekiat shofar (shofar blowing) it is sweetened. Our Sages explained in Likkutei Torah and elsewhere that on Shabbos there is no need for tekiat shofar because all its effects are accomplished from Above.

It follows that also in the spiritual aspect of tekiat shofar—namely teshuvah as explained by Rambam and elaborated in the enclosed kuntres—this too is accomplished from Above what in other years must be done through human initiative. In general, matters achieved through human effort have an advantage: they are lasting; the lower realm becomes refined; only in this way is the ultimate purpose fulfilled—that work should be done specifically by those below through Torah and mitzvos. The advantage of matters given from Above is their incomparable elevation since they are bestowed from Above. All this is explained elsewhere.

Accordingly, it is understood that both advantages exist together when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos. See Likkutei Torah Shir HaShirim discourse "Lehavin..." about how divine initiative brings great elevation. It can be further explained: there (and in "Rani V'Simchi" in Torah Or and Shir HaShirim) he speaks about the future era when there will be no need to connect divine initiative with human effort. But in our case—which precedes that era—there must still be some connection to human effort.

Therefore, specifically not blowing shofar on Yom Tov Rosh Hashanah that falls on Shabbos—because it is accomplished by divine initiative—comes by Torah commandment and fulfills a rabbinic decree; but it is done negatively (by refraining), so it is not a mitzvah but only a decree and safeguard by our Sages—and this topic could be elaborated further.

With blessings for a good inscription and sealing to him and his entire household,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

The kuntres for Chai Elul was sent to him as well as to Rabbi M.M. Perlow according to their address at Ulam; they will receive it from there.

The content of his letter from 12 Elul I conveyed and it was received—with a smile of satisfaction.

Summary

This letter explores how both divine assistance and personal effort are essential for spiritual growth—especially when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos—and encourages sharing Torah teachings widely while extending heartfelt blessings for the new year.