566 —להיות אחד עם חסידות ולהאיר אחרים

B"H, 11 Adar, 5710.

Kavod Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"m etc. Moreinu HaRav Yosef

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The farbrengen from Yud-Tes Kislev was surely received on time, and enclosed is the kuntres for the upcoming Purim, which you will certainly share with all those around you.

It is brought in the sichah printed in this kuntres (see also the sichah of Shushan Purim 5700) a saying of the tzt"z on the verse "Echad hayah Avraham": 'In Avraham, it was the "echad" (oneness) that shone in all matters, and he became a true oneness.' Its meaning: At first, "echad" illuminated Avraham—there were two things: echad and Avraham; the first shone in the second, and not only that, but it illuminated all aspects of the second. But afterwards they became truly one thing—Avraham became a true oneness.

Similarly, as Rambam writes (Hilchos Deos ch. 5): Just as a wise person is recognized by his wisdom and understanding and is distinguished by them from other people, so too should he be recognized in his actions—in his eating and drinking, marital relations, fulfilling needs, speech, walking, dress, management of words, business dealings. After stating the general rule about actions he lists ten things. This is not the place to elaborate. Thus both in his connection to others (the wise person is recognized) and his separation from them (he is distinguished), it must be equal (just as...so too), both in wisdom and understanding—which are his essence—and in his actions—even though these seem to be only external matters.

In this way is also the demand of Chabad Rebbes from those connected to them: to be chassidim—not just a man or woman who has within them some light of Chassidus—but to become truly united with the light of Toras HaChassidus and its middos until they become truly one.

Tzaddikim—and especially Nesi'im who lead Israel—are similar to their Creator (Esther Rabbah 1), just as Hashem only asks according to one's ability and He gives you strength; so too our Nesi'im have given each one of us strength so that with proper effort we can fulfill their above demand. And it depends on each one of us.

The blessings of tzaddikim in general—and especially those of our Nasi and leader in our generation, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m—are still effective now as well: that your efforts will be successful and we will be chassidim as our Nesi'im interpret this name.

With blessing and regards,
M. Schneerson

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With blessing and regards to your entire group—upon whom rests responsibility to strengthen themselves and all those around them regardless of their own inclinations—because "every moment must matter," and upon their shoulders lies responsibility. Therefore there is no time for sighs; one positive action etc.

Your letter from 6 Adar was received along with the enclosed notes. Everything has been delivered. In these days receipts will be sent as you requested.

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With blessing and regards to all those influenced by you—to receive the light of Toras Daas HaChassidus (Chabad), middos chassidus (Chagas), through good deeds (Nehi).

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With blessing and regards to your surroundings—upon whom it is your task to illuminate them with Toras Daas HaChassidus (Chabad), middos chassidus (Chagas), through good deeds (Nehi)—their standing (Nesavos ve[Tavos]).

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With blessing and regards to all those upon whom you are tasked—to awaken their inner selves and illuminate them with Toras Daas HaChassidus (Chabad), middos chassidus (Chagas), through good deeds (Nehi). Surely you will continue sending your notes.

Summary

This letter teaches that true connection with Chassidus means internalizing its light until it becomes one's very essence—and then sharing that illumination with others. The Rebbe emphasizes personal responsibility while assuring us that we have been given strength by our leaders for this mission.