2060 —ההכנה הרוחנית לפני העליה לארץ ישראל

B"H, 25 Adar, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n osek b'tzt"z etc. Shmuel Yalev

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter from the 21st of Adar, in which you write that you and your wife have already set the date for your journey to ascend to Eretz HaKodesh—may it be rebuilt and established—on Thursday, the 24th of Nissan, G‑d willing, by ship to Paris and from there by plane to Eretz HaKodesh.

In accordance with what we discussed when you were here, may it be the will of Hashem that your journey go smoothly and your arrival there be successful, and that your return home at the appointed time be in a good and auspicious hour.

Certainly it is unnecessary to repeat again what we discussed: since Eretz Yisrael is a land upon which "the eyes of Hashem your G‑d are always upon it from the beginning of the year until year's end," just as one who prepares to enter the palace of a flesh-and-blood king changes and beautifies his garments as much as possible, how much more so should this apply regarding spiritual garments before ascending to Eretz HaKodesh.

The garments of a person are explained at length in Tanya as being his thought, speech, and action—these are the garments of the soul. Therefore, one must add every day in improvement and beautification; at the very least—and obviously without making a vow—to give some coins to charity every weekday morning before prayer and to establish an additional study session in the inner dimension of Torah (which is Chassidus), which in Zohar is called Ilana D'Chayei (the Tree of Life) (Zohar III p.124b; explained in Igeres HaKodesh sec. 26), especially fitting for Eretz Yisrael which is called "the Land of Life."

Therefore, it is appropriate each day before prayer to spend a few moments thinking about matters that bring one to love and awe of G‑d—which are found abundantly in Chassidic texts and discourses... Enclosed is the booklet published for 2 Nissan G‑d willing; surely you will share its content with many others.

Blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday, and regards to your son—who visited me together with you—may he live.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that just as one prepares outwardly before meeting a human king, so too must one prepare spiritually—through charity, Torah study (especially Chassidus), and reflection—before ascending to Eretz Yisrael or any elevated spiritual state.