624 —התקשרות לרבי, לימוד תורתו, והשפעה רוחנית

B"H, 15 Sivan, may Hashem guard him.

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

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter and your pan were received. As you requested, I read it at the resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m. A tzaddik blesses and Hashem fulfills the blessings of tzaddikim, who are found in this world even more than during their lifetime, in their fullness. My hope is that for someone like you there is no need for further explanation or illumination regarding the matter of connection to the Nasi—my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m—that this connection is through studying his Torah and following the paths he taught. Surely you have set times for learning my father-in-law's Torah—his discourses, talks, and letters—and how good it is if this study is done in a group where each person strengthens and inspires his fellow.

With wishes for all good and regards to the entire group. M. Schneerson

Regarding what you wrote about not understanding the matter of distinction—I do not understand what difficulty you have with this—it is simple that there is a difference between how the Nasi influences before [his passing] and after; and that the ultimate level of his influence before [his passing] reaches its peak on the day of histalkus (passing). Therefore, certainly there is also an effect that brings about a new birth in the recipient, through which even the infinite power within creations is revealed; thus it requires nine months—distinction applies here—and physical matters and days are reflections that arouse spiritual matters.

Regarding yourself: The main thing is that you should conduct yourself this way among all those influenced by you—the small together with the great—all of whom depend on you.

As for your question about why there is some reservation regarding saying "Kriyas Shema" before prayer as stated in the Siddur—the reason can be explained by analogy to why it is forbidden to eat before prayer and also Torah study should be after prayer (see Likkutei Torah Devarim Tzav II), whereas "Kaddish deRabbanan," which contains an aspect of "Ve'ahavta l'reacha kamocha" (see Kuntres 64 p. 98), does not have this restriction—but for this reason there should apparently be no distinction between one person or another.

Just now your telegram was received; apparently the surgery was delayed by a week. Every delay is for good—may it be visibly good for us as well.

With wishes for all good, awaiting good news as above—regarding you, your household, and those influenced by you.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true connection to a tzaddik comes through learning his teachings and following his path—especially together with others—and that spiritual influence continues even after physical passing. Communal support and proper order in mitzvah observance are emphasized.