2126 —דאגה לעזיבת בנו מלימוד חסידות וחשיבות פנימיות התורה

B"H, 14 Sivan, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long silence, I was pleased to receive your letter from the 8th of Sivan. As you requested, when I am at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, I will mention all those about whom you wrote for what they need, and I await good news regarding this.

Regarding what you write about your son... shiyichyeh, I was alarmed to see in your letter that after he had already been engaged in Torah study—both in Nigleh and in Chassidus—he is now continuing in a yeshiva where there is no study of Chassidus. Although there was a time many generations ago when it was not absolutely necessary for everyone to study the inner dimension of Torah, it is well known that in our times—using the words of the Arizal as brought in Iggeres HaKodesh by our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe, section 26—it is permitted and even a mitzvah to reveal this wisdom. Especially in our generation of doubled and redoubled darkness, and even more so because people are turning darkness into light and light into darkness (and if this is seen outside Eretz Yisrael, how much more so will it be seen in Eretz HaKodesh through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily), it is an absolute obligation to do everything possible regarding matters of fear of Heaven, and learning the inner dimension of Torah is one of its pillars. The Torah is acquired through connection with friends.

All this applies generally. But specifically regarding our case: since your son shiyichyeh has already been within the four cubits of this type of study, if one withdraws from it G‑d forbid, it falls under the category of disgracing part of Torah—even if the reason given is that this particular study does not suit him personally. The severity of this prohibition is well known as explained by our Sages (Eruvin 64a). As above, I am not entering into whether his relatives or previous generations in his family were involved with this type of study—surely there may be some merit on their behalf—but it is entirely different regarding your son shiyichyeh since he already has established involvement.

It is also clear and simple that we see many Avrechim who did not merit exposure to "the light within Torah," which refers to its inner dimension; nevertheless they are G‑d-fearing and upright—and "with the secrets of the Merciful One why should we concern ourselves." However, since by Divine Providence so-and-so became aware that there exists an inner dimension to Torah—and moreover for various reasons he has already been educated within an institution inspired by this spirit—his status is entirely different.

I do not wish to elaborate further so as not to cause pain or distress to your honor shiyichyeh; but at least these lines I must write because all Jews are responsible for one another and whoever can protest must do so etc., as our Sages said (Shabbos 55a): "If it is revealed before You..."

The main point—without getting into calculations—is that in my opinion this could affect foundational aspects of your son's life arrangement; therefore I have written these lines above. As mentioned above—where possible—the success in learning depends specifically on being in a suitable environment.

With honor and blessing that you should report good news regarding all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe stresses that learning Chassidus—the inner dimension of Torah—is essential today. Once someone has begun such study, leaving it behind diminishes their spiritual foundation. A supportive environment for continued growth remains crucial for lasting success.