716 —חיזוק הביטחון והקשר המתמיד אל הרבי

B"H, 11 Elul, Hash-yisborach Hatamim Havu"ch Iy"a etc. Mo"h... shiy'.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was saddened to hear that you are not in such good health, and some say that from time to time you have become somewhat despondent. This greatly surprised me, for it is well known and explained in many places in Chassidus that a chassid must feel the truth—which in fact applies to all created beings; the distinction of chassidim, and especially temimim, is that they must also feel it and not just understand it intellectually. These are the two opposites found in every created being: on one hand—from his own perspective—he is truly nothing; but on the other hand—because he is a creation from the essence and being of Ein Sof blessed be He, which is his entire essence—the created being is also all-capable.

If for ordinary Jews and chassidim this is difficult to feel, for temimim who are connected to their Nasi—namely my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m—it must be felt with absolute simplicity. For each of them must know and feel that "tzaddika d'ispater ashtakach b'kula almin" (the righteous one who has passed away is found in all worlds)—and as the Alter Rebbe adds: even more so in this physical world than during his lifetime, since there are no longer limitations of place. Therefore, everyone should feel that the Rebbe is together with him.

It is possible at times to reflect on one's own situation; there are special times for this. But at all other times it is preferable to think about the Rebbe—how he is always with his followers and how he guides them at every step. And this thought alone, even without special contemplation, should strengthen all powers of the soul to use them according to the will of my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m.

If any stray thoughts contrary to this arise, one must know that these are suggestions of the yetzer (evil inclination), which seeks various ways to confuse a person from Torah and avodah.

The conclusion from all this: one must be strong in his trust in the blessings of a tzaddik—my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m—who stands over him and guides him on the right path. The main thing is not to become dispirited; recite every day Psalm 71 from Tehillim; above all else, it should be absolutely clear that the Rebbe is with him and he can rely on him—that everything will be good. For Atzmus u'Mehus Ein Sof blessed be He is truly ultimate goodness—and the Rebbe serves as an intermediary connecting with Atzmus u'Mehus Ein Sof blessed be He—and brings about through this will that everything should be good; ultimately it will be manifestly good.

With blessings for a good inscription and sealing (in the Book of Life), awaiting good news.

Menachem Schneerson

Summary

The letter teaches us to strengthen our trust in G‑d's goodness by feeling our constant connection with our Rebbe. Even when facing challenges or doubts, remembering this bond brings strength and clarity for fulfilling our purpose joyfully.