595 —התגברות על התרגשות והכרת השגחה פרטית

B"H, 8 Iyar, 5710.

Haraha"ch vavach"ch iy"a nu"m etc.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It came to my attention by chance that people say about you that you are now easily agitated, excited, etc. Surely you have heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m, and learned in his talks, discourses, or letters that there is no such thing as chance in the world; everything is by Divine Providence. Our role is to strive to align our actions with the intent of this higher Providence.

Who am I to know with certainty the intent of Providence? But since I have learned about the above matter, perhaps I can help at least a little bit, and therefore I am writing this letter.

The reason for your agitation was not told to me, but it is likely because you are not satisfied with your situation: your G‑dly soul is not satisfied with your spiritual state, your animal soul is not satisfied with your material state, and as a result, your body and nerves are affected.

It is difficult for me to answer specifically regarding your complaints as you see them yourself since I do not hear them directly from you. Therefore, I am only giving a general response—a description of your situation as I see it. Since you yourself are more involved according to Torah than I am, your testimony is more valid than mine. And here it is:

My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m, placed you in a position of light—this is Torah—and did not suffice with this but also gave you a share in the light within Torah; meaning that you and the teachers under your direction are chassidim who study Chassidus abundantly or at least moderately or at least a little. In your students you instill fear of Heaven—which is the ultimate purpose of Torah and mitzvah. Not only that: ever since then my revered father-in-law has been holding your hand and guiding you in all your endeavors.

You built a home on foundations of Torah and mitzvah. Thank G‑d you had sustenance for yourself and your family; now too you have this. You received blessings from my revered father-in-law that it should continue so in the future—and even more so: that you can give charity generously. This is an overall picture regarding both spiritual and material matters.

And after all this—what causes agitation? That things are handed ready-made but one must still work hard? That there is distress? That one must deal with simple people? The Rebbe's time and energy were certainly precious; he surely had more right than others to demand otherwise—yet he went through all this himself and on an even greater scale! So who can come now to take offense and demand "I don't want it this way (and therefore it seems to me that) I can't do it this way; I'm leaving," becoming agitated etc.? Is this really correct, Reb ...?

Greetings to his household and all his family for every blessing. Enclosed is a booklet just published. From a copy by the secretariat.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that agitation often stems from dissatisfaction with one's circumstances but reminds us that everything occurs through Divine Providence. By recognizing our blessings and focusing on our mission despite challenges, we fulfill our purpose with strength.