709 —הדרכה ללימוד תורה של בן ופרנסה רוחנית באוסטרליה

B"H, 8 Elul, may Hashem grant good.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a etc. MohariShZ Serebryanski

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 24th of Menachem Av, informing me that your eldest son Chaim has received agreement from the Rebbe Rayatz hk"m to spend part of his time working in the kindergarten... You ask if he should continue with this, since it pains you that he had to interrupt his studies and is not like his peers learning in Tomchei Temimim. You add that both you and your son are distressed about this, and that your son has good abilities. You ask my opinion whether he should nevertheless continue as before or come to Melbourne to study in Tomchei Temimim.

In my opinion, at least for this year until the upcoming 10 Shevat (5711), your son should continue working in the kindergarten with fixed times for Torah study, as instructed by the Rebbe Rayatz hk"m, and with a special lesson in the teachings of our Nesi'im—specifically those of the Rebbe Rayatz hk"m.

You should explain to your son—and also to yourself—that there is no reason to be distressed over the fact that part of his time is devoted to physical work and only some hours remain for Torah study. It is known from our Sages (quoted in Iggeres HaKodesh ch. 22): 'A person does not know from what he will earn...' and 'When will the kingdom of David return?' The Alter Rebbe concludes: 'These are equated.' The Shelah writes that 'the Torah speaks of higher matters but hints at lower ones,' meaning that even here—'a person does not know from what he will earn'—the intent is also (or mainly) about spiritual reward and sustenance. These too are equated with the matter of redemption, about which it says: 'The heart does not reveal to the mouth,' meaning even the supernal heart and mouth do not know when redemption will come. According to the Alter Rebbe, so too regarding spiritual reward and sustenance.

Just think: Why go around making personal calculations about what is better spiritually? In spirituality altogether we barely know its existence, let alone its essence! When you have a directive from the Nasi HaDor—the leader who is called 'the heart of all Israel,' which is higher than speech—and even more so: as explained in Chassidus, the Nasi/the Rebbe is an intermediary who connects us with G‑d's very essence—if he has designated a place for spiritual sustenance, then surely this is best for both soul and body health. The soul's health comes when it becomes a vessel to fulfill G‑d's higher intent and will.

This also serves as a general answer for all Anash living in Australia who constantly complain about their fate—thinking it bitter because they are far from certain places or people. This is only advice from the yetzer hara to confuse them in their service and prevent them from fulfilling their mission assigned by the Rebbe Rayatz hk"m—the general soul—who encompasses all individuals as explained in Chassidus regarding a general level above particulars.

It is known that my revered father-in-law (the Rebbe Rashab) said: Temimim are candles to illuminate. From these words we learn several things; two among them: (a) Lighting one candle from another does not diminish anything from the original candle; (b) Since this candle's purpose is to illuminate and it fulfills its task by shining light, this is its greatest elevation—a created being fulfilling its Creator's commandment thereby connecting with Him (as mitzvah means connection), as explained many times in Chassidus.

The loneliness felt in Australia is understandable—especially when recalling being together previously with many people like sunlight at noon ('what use is a candle at high noon?'). But apparently this was only preparation—to gather strength enabling you now to illuminate darkness and transform your place and country into a place of light—that light being Torah itself, especially with its inner dimension (Chassidus), spreading its wellsprings outward across all corners of the world.

Then we are assured that Davidic kingship will return—as explained at length in Simchas Torah 5690—and thus this brings about both material and spiritual reward at its highest level. As mentioned above from the Alter Rebbe: reward and redemption are equated.

I sign off with blessings for a good inscription and sealing—for you, your son, your entire family, and all your group. Please kindly inform others among Anash who complain about their assigned mission per instruction of the Rebbe Rayatz hk"m. Many thanks in advance for your effort.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that following one's unique mission—even if it differs from others—is true spiritual success when done according to guidance from our leaders. Fulfilling one's role brings both personal growth and contributes to collective redemption.