הוראת תורה, ערך עצמי, והתמודדות עם היצר הרע

B"H, 1 Elul, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Erev Shabbat Kodesh Re'eh and I see in it a contradiction from beginning to end: you start by writing about the groups and classes you teach, but conclude that spiritually your own stature is diminished. It is well known from our Sages the great value of one who teaches another's child Torah—especially one who teaches the child of an am ha'aretz (an unlearned person)—so it is impossible that this would diminish your worth. Certainly this too is a scheme of the yetzer hara to weaken you in your above-mentioned service, perhaps even to bring you to feelings of despair—that since things are not as they should be, what can be done and how can one act? The effort to improve seems not worthwhile (which itself contradicts our Sages: 'I have toiled and not found—do not believe').

I have already told you several times that in our time it is essential for everyone to be involved in some communal need; for those suited for this, matters of proper education come before all else. Along with this—and especially for yourself—it is necessary to have fixed study in Chabad Chassidus and also strive to serve Hashem specifically with joy.

As for what you wrote about starting to learn some Tanya and finding it very difficult because you are not used to it—since you know the reason, it is within your power to nullify it and become accustomed to this study. It is well known from our Sages: 'If one did not toil and found—do not believe.' From your own letter it seems you have not yet begun studying with effort. If the yetzer hara does not like Torah study in any area, how much more so regarding study that—as Rambam writes in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah—leads to love and awe of Him. What benefit is there in debating this? Begin learning and over time you will see success...

With blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that teaching Torah elevates rather than diminishes one's worth. Feelings of inadequacy are tactics of the yetzer hara; perseverance in learning Chassidus with joy brings true spiritual growth.