2021 —להשאר במקומו ולהשפיע באופן חיובי על הסביבה

B"H, 26 Shevat, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter—albeit with some delay—in which you write about your situation and ask my opinion whether you should now travel to Eretz HaKodesh through our righteous Moshiach.

In my opinion, since you are in a country where recently several G‑d-fearing people have arrived in addition to those who previously lived there, and since none of us truly knows the higher intent for why one finds himself in a particular place—for only from Hashem are a man's steps established—it is fitting for you to fulfill "Mekomecha al tanach" (Do not abandon your place) and influence your surroundings appropriately to strengthen them in Torah and mitzvah observance, and to warm them with Jewish warmth. May Hashem grant you long and good years to illuminate your environment with increased Ner Mitzvah and Torah Or (the candle of mitzvah and the light of Torah), and especially with the light of Chassidus—its ways and customs.

Even for a single good deed, it is well known from Tanya chapter 25 that performing any mitzvah creates an eternal effect above, forever. It is also known from the saying of the Baal Shem Tov—as we have heard many times from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal—that a soul descends into this world and is clothed in a Jewish body for decades just to do a favor for another Jew, whether materially or spiritually.

With blessings for long and good years with all their meanings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one should not rush to leave their current place but instead focus on positively impacting their environment. Every mitzvah has eternal significance, and even one act of kindness can fulfill the soul's purpose in this world.