2058 —עמידה איתנה במנהגי חסידות למרות מנהגי המשפחה

B"H, 26 Kislev, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received your letter from the 20th of Kislev, in which you write about the celebration of the day of the good tidings, the festival of redemption Yud-Tes Kislev, with the participation of several people; you finished Maseches Sotah, had a meal, etc. Surely you also accepted good resolutions regarding hafatzas haMayanos (spreading the wellsprings) both among Anash themselves and also outwardly. It is known the ruling of the Heavenly Court, which my father-in-law, the Rebbe, conveyed in one of his letters (printed in Sefer Kitzurim v'He'aros l'Tanya p. 122), that in every matter of Torah, fear of Heaven, and good character traits, the hand of those connected to (the Alter Rebbe) and those who follow his path will prevail.

b) I was very pleased by what you wrote regarding the Nshei U'Bnos Chabad group that has already begun to hold farbrengens and study sessions etc., and I am enclosing a copy of what was written here to some branches which also contains points regarding study and farbrengen matters. It is understood that it is not so important to be strict about whether members are from Anash lineage as long as they wish to participate and draw close to Chabad; this too is sufficient etc., and this is clear. It is understood that for the benefit of the matter it is worthwhile for the members themselves to participate as learners and presenters so that they will be drawn into the depth of the subject; obviously this does not preclude if they find it appropriate for one of the men to teach them as well etc.

c) In accordance with these above-mentioned classes and the beauty of your work—it has already been discussed at a farbrengen about what is explained in Chassidus and especially in Likkutei Torah: that even those negative things written in Parshas Bechukosai and Parshas Tavo are truly blessings. Similarly regarding the end of Maseches Sotah: among those matters listed there about Ikvesa d'Meshicha (the footsteps before Mashiach), "chutzpah yasgi" (insolence will increase), "ne'arim p'nei zekeinim yalbinu" (youths will shame elders), "bas kamah b'imeha" (a daughter rises up against her mother), etc.—in avodas Hashem this means that regardless of one's own reckoning concerning his status or even simple matters of mitzvah observance, he has such breadth that he becomes an influencer and guide in his environment not only regarding halachic rulings but also chassidic ways and conduct—not only regarding revealed Torah study but also hidden Torah study and its deepest secrets—which are also included and explained in Chassidus. Moreover, even those who have acquired this wisdom but until now have not merited its inner light—that is Chassidus—he himself may still be a youth etc., yet "youths will shame elders." Furthermore, even within his own home—if for whatever reason leniencies were practiced previously due to life circumstances—a daughter rises up against her mother or a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law and they conduct themselves properly even in these matters without regard for their mothers' or mothers-in-law's previous customs; eventually even those mothers will follow their example—and this is clear.

May Hashem grant us speedily in our days that we should see with our physical eyes how "Hashem your G‑d transforms for you the curse into a blessing because He loves you."

With wishes for a joyous Chanukah.

P.S. Enclosed is an excerpt from my letter in English which you will surely use appropriately.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that steadfastness in chassidic practice—even when family traditions differ—can positively influence others. By acting according to proper standards regardless of previous customs at home, one can inspire both peers and elders toward greater spiritual growth.