1237 —לימוד תורה ותוספות השגות לאחר הסתלקות, והנשמות בגן עדן

... It has already been brought elsewhere that there are those who say that regarding whether new insights and additions are possible after passing and the soul's ascent—this is a dispute between the Rambam and the Raavad. But simply, it is brought in Chassidus in many places in explanation of the verse 'HaYoshevet BaGanim' (the one who sits in the gardens), and the explanation of Metivta DeRakia (the heavenly academy), that souls in Gan Eden study Torah. Nevertheless, there is room for both opinions—and thus it is also understood how this does not contradict the principle of 'Lo BaShamayim Hi' (it is not in heaven)—because the essence of Torah, clarifying a law that was previously unknown or not well understood due to difficulties etc., can only be accomplished by a soul clothed in a physical body. However, Torah also exists in heaven, especially for those souls who studied while alive on earth; this causes them to later study the spiritual aspect of halachah in Gan Eden. Even among angels it exists, as they too listen (and are changed through listening) to your voice, but not from the essence of Torah.

Especially regarding the author of the discourse—I am copying here a passage from a note by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe: 'Monday, 20 MarCheshvan 5708. Today is the birthday of my revered father, the holy Rebbe zatzal nevigadzel mekomo yenechem zchuso yagen aleinu (may his merit protect us), who was born on Monday of Chayei Sarah on the twentieth of MarCheshvan 5621 at nine o'clock in the morning. In my dream I saw my revered father, the holy Rebbe, dressed in Shabbat clothes with a very radiant face. He said: In this twenty-four hour period when eighty-four years have been completed since my soul descended into this lower world there will be good guests with me; according to order each one of our holy Rebbes and ancestors will say a discourse based on chapter 84.'—End quote as relevant to our topic.

The note is from 5705—eighty-four years from the birth of the author of the discourse—when connection to chapter 84 of Tehillim concludes, as is known from customs regarding reciting Tehillim received from the Baal Shem Tov.

Thus we see that even after passing there remains Torah study and listening from leaders, as well as learning dependent on additions made during time below.

Summary

The Rebbe writes that Torah study continues for souls after their passing—especially for those who learned during their lifetime—and even angels are affected by this learning. However, true innovation in halachah requires a soul within a physical body.