1979 —התקדשות עצמית, פתיחת כחודה של מחט, והתקשרות לנשיאינו

B"H, 18 Teves, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding what you conclude in your letter, that so much is expected from you and you beseech the Creator to help you in this matter since it does not align with what is expected from you, etc., it is well known the ruling of our Sages: "He who sanctifies himself a little below is sanctified greatly from Above." However, at the very least there must be some measure of self-sanctification—even a small amount—and one must open up at least as much as the eye of a needle. These strengths have been given to us in abundance by our holy leaders of blessed memory; but it is necessary to keep the channel of connection with them open and to broaden it as much as possible. This is accomplished by following the path they have shown us: keeping their customs, learning their Torah teachings, etc. Above all is the matter of Ahavas Yisrael (love for a fellow Jew), for uniting with another Jew in general—and especially with Anash (our community)—this becomes a vessel that holds blessing and the blessing of the Holy One Blessed be He, which is an endless blessing. Consequently—this applies both to material matters and spiritual matters.

Summary

Even a small step toward self-improvement draws great Divine help. By keeping strong connections with our leaders through their teachings and Ahavas Yisrael, we become vessels for unlimited blessings in both physical and spiritual life.