התייחסות לחששות בלימוד תורת החסידות

B"H, 16 Elul, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 10th of Elul, in which you write about your manner of study until now and your observance of mitzvos, as well as your concerns regarding the study of Chassidus. There is absolutely no reason to worry, for this is not the study of Kabbalah but rather the study of Chassidus. Even though sometimes concepts from Kabbalah are mentioned, their explanation according to Chassidus removes any basis for the concerns you wrote about.

It is essential that you learn the kuntres Etz HaChayim and Kuntres U'Maayan from the Rebbe Rashab, as well as the introduction to Kuntres Etz HaChayim from my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. Then you will see how unfounded your concerns are; they are merely advice from the yetzer hara to prevent you from gaining knowledge in a large part of Torah which our generation—Ikvesa D'Meshicha—has merited to have revealed to many. If by Divine Providence you too have merited to become aware of this, you should seize this opportunity with all your strength and not engage in debate with your yetzer hara who arouses these concerns.

If a little light dispels much darkness, how much more so does great light! Do not question what was done in earlier generations before Chassidus was revealed; such a question is like asking what existed in the time of the Mishnah before there was Gemara or in the time of Gemara before there were works of the Rishonim, etc.—there is no need to elaborate further on this. Study the aforementioned kuntres Etz HaChayim and it will be pleasant and beneficial for you. May Hashem grant you success in increasing strength both in Nigleh (revealed Torah) and in Chassidus together, with success.

With blessings for a good inscription and sealing.

In the name of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita,
The Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that studying Chassidus is vital for our generation and dispels any fears by clarifying its distinction from Kabbalah. He encourages embracing this opportunity wholeheartedly and assures that such learning brings spiritual benefit and success.