1929 —בקשות חוזרות לעזוב את הישיבה ושליחותו האמיתית של תלמיד

B"H, 9 Kislev, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter from the 29th of Cheshvan, in which you inform and complain that for now you are not being given permission to leave to travel here. See also the beginning of Hemshach Mayim Rabim 5636. Surely you know my perspective—and I believe I have written this to you personally—that the students of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Lod have a broad field in Eretz Yisrael to accomplish and illuminate their portion in the world, thereby drawing success into their personal matters: both in the study of Nigleh Torah and Chassidus, as well as success in serving Hashem.

Nevertheless, you asked and asked again, and also asked indirectly in an unusual way. I answered regarding this: on what basis? If you wish, try—and I agree. But if afterwards it is shown again that there is work for you (as in "worked hides," as explained often in Chassidus at the beginning of Parshas Mishpatim), meaning this is your mission and you are needed there—and for this one must toil—not because your intellect demands it or because there is bodily or animal-soul pleasure. Yet even after this instruction, again you complain and seek strategies to travel specifically—at a time when you should...

Regarding your birthday that you mention... surely you know the order for a birthday: generally—being called up to the Torah; especially since your birthday falls on Shabbos—reviewing Chassidus publicly, reciting Tehillim, and giving tzedakah before davening (if it falls on a weekday) or on the day before (if it falls on Shabbos or Yom Tov). Surely you've also seen what's brought in Hayom Yom—11 Nissan—about seclusion, which is quoted from my father-in-law's letter. May Hashem grant you merit to fulfill your mission in this world for long good years, and may you be a chossid, G‑d-fearing person, and scholar. The intent of "scholar" is not only in Chassidus but also in Nigleh Torah—with an extended final nun as our Sages say about "Ravtzen," one who is accustomed to it regularly (Bava Metzia 33a), as explained in Chassidus regarding Gershon with an extended nun (Likkutei Torah Naso 21a; see also 20b)—to draw these matters down into actual practice below.

Blessings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true fulfillment comes from embracing one's mission where one is needed most rather than seeking personal preference or comfort. He encourages commitment to spiritual growth through Torah study, Chassidus, and proper observance of special days like one's birthday.