614 —חשיבות לימוד התורה וההתקשרות לרבי

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Sivan, may G‑d protect. Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Mehor"y

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As we approach Shavuos, the time of the giving of our Torah, I am sending herewith a booklet that has just been published. Surely you will endeavor to bring merit to the public with it—whether in part or in full. The heart of every Jew is always awake for Torah and mitzvah, as our Sages testified: Even though 'I am asleep'—in exile—'my heart is awake' for synagogues (prayer), study halls (Torah), mitzvos and charity (Pesikta D'Rav Kahana, section HaChodesh).

This is especially true during the days from Rosh Chodesh Sivan until the twelfth of the month—days of preparation for receiving the Torah, the time of Matan Torah, and completion for Pesach Sheni.

There are several aspects in Torah study regarding a person's obligation: a) Torah study is one of the 248 positive commandments but is greater than them all; b) Study is equivalent to all positive commandments because it leads to action. Seemingly this corresponds to two mitzvos within Torah study: 'You shall meditate on it' and 'knowledge of Torah,' with the latter specifically leading to action (see all this in Hilchos Talmud Torah by Admor Hazaken ch. 4 sec. 2 onward; there in Kuntres Acharon to ch. 3; and sources cited there; see also Tanya ch. 52).

In its effect on a person: a) The 248 positive commandments are the life-force for the 248 limbs of the soul; without mitzvos they have no existence or vitality. The mitzvah 'you shall meditate on it'—Torah—is like all mitzvos but greater than them, similar to internal organs upon which life depends; b) The mitzvah of knowledge of Torah is an aspect of wisdom—the mind itself—which is above limbs, just as the soul that fills all 248 limbs primarily dwells and rests in the brain (see all this in Likkutei Torah Nitzavim "Ki HaMitzvah HaZos," part II; there in Balak "Lo Hibit," end ch. 3; "Maayan Ganin," Tanya ch. 51).

Above all this: Scripture says 'Ve'atem ha'dveikim baHashem Elokeichem... chayim kulchem hayom' ('And you who cleave to Hashem your G‑d... are all alive today'). Our Sages explained that Israel connects with Torah and Torah with G‑d—the general vitality of the soul, both its radiance within the body and its mazal above, comes through Torah (see Avos D’Rabbi Natan ch. 34; Likkutei Torah Bamidbar "Vayedaber Elokim," part III; "Ashreichem," series Tof Res Samech Vav; "Oteh Or," Tanya ch. 2).

Accordingly we understand what my father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe hk"m wrote: 'Great longing for connection can only be satisfied when one studies Chassidus taught or written by one's Rebbe.' 'True connection comes through studying his Torah.' It is also understood that although one only studies where his heart desires, it is necessary at fixed times specifically to learn from the teachings of our leader—the Previous Rebbe hk"m—and especially necessary: a) as an introduction before any general matter or event; b) at general times.

May Hashem grant us true connection with the Tree of Life—and at Pesach Sheni when we receive all-encompassing Torah for the entire year—may we merit receiving it with joy and inwardness.

M. Schneerson

* * *

Your letter from 25 Iyar was received. See also in the introduction to the attached booklet words from my father-in-law about how important it is not to have any weakening in studies or gatherings etc.

* * *

Your letter from 10 Iyar was received late—as you requested I read your pidyon nefesh while at the holy resting place on that day. The booklet for Pesach Sheni was already sent... Surely you will continue your holy work as shadar and inform about students and studies etc.

* * *

Your letter—with no date—was received. Thank you for your report about women's organization activities, publication of booklets etc., and your comment regarding what was written by Rabbi Aharon Stern—see also Responsa Chatam Sofer vol. II sec. 198. Thank you for news about improvement in your father's health.

* * *

The custom is to say Barechu before Friday night Maariv prayers; therefore one says Barechu if praying alone even if Barechu was already heard earlier. See Zohar II p.135b: 'to say Barechu... in order to open above with blessing.'

* * *

Your letter from 21 Iyar was received. Surely you will continue recording your memoirs—and regarding your fear about saying 'Zol Gezunt Zein,' [that] it was not customary—but what is there to fear? It is explained in Iggeres HaKodesh sec. 28 that a tzaddik's life consists of faith and love/fear [of G‑d]; thus... he is most healthy! This should suffice.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true connection comes through learning Chassidus from one's Rebbe and emphasizes fixed study in his teachings as essential preparation for receiving the Torah with joy and depth during Shavuos.