2278 —גיוס כל המשאבים וכל האנשים להפצת החסידות באירופה

B"H, 28th of Menachem Av, 5714. Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"n involved with tzt"z etc. Moreinu HaRav Nisan Neminov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding what you mention in your letter that since the older students have remained few in number, this has affected some of them—causing a sense of brokenness because they are not privileged to be here. You should explain to them that there is absolutely no reason or purpose for such brokenness; on the contrary, they should see themselves as my emissaries to illuminate their surroundings with the light of Torah—specifically the teachings of Chassidus—which will also bring others closer to mitzvos and Torah. (See Likkutei Torah Vayikra at its beginning regarding "the emissary of a person is like himself," according to Chassidus.) This cannot be said about all students who are in Brooklyn, as is obvious.

And when they consider the saying of my father-in-law, the Rebbe—of blessed memory—that when a soldier goes into battle he must march with energy and joy—how much more so in our case where joy is needed, and their journey must be one of progress among those who stand still, specifically with joy. Besides this being the demand of the Baal Shem Tov—"Serve Hashem with joy," as alluded to at the end of Rambam's Laws of Lulav—it is essential that their mission and role in this world be fulfilled with joy. There is no need to elaborate further; surely you will find suitable words to expand on this appropriately for their current situation.

It should also be noted that this applies even to students who do not feel brokenness, since everyone is included in "the sacrifices of G‑d are a broken spirit," yet on the other hand there is also the commandment "Serve Hashem with joy." Every soul stood before the Holy King before descending into a body—all for the purpose of serving its Creator as stated in Mishnah—and illuminating its portion in the world as explained in Tanya and elsewhere. Our holy teachers have added explanation—especially my father-in-law, the Rebbe—that one must act not only with oneself or those close but even with those distant so that "the wellsprings spread outward," not just drawn water but living springs.

It is self-evident that these tools are not handed ready-made; one must muster all one's strength to find ways to accomplish this. All the more so for someone whom Divine Providence has placed in an advantageous position and told him "choose life," he must serve with true joy that breaks all boundaries—even those of intellect and emotion—so his work will be exceedingly successful.

There is no need to elaborate how great is the pity for a soul that descended many levels from before the Holy King into a coarse body and physical world where wickedness prevails—and ultimately did not fulfill its mission or even come close to what was required. Conversely, it needs no explanation how great its fortune when it strives to fulfill its task sincerely and beautifully—as explained elsewhere (including Hemshech Resh Samach Vav) regarding how a true servant works.

The same applies regarding you and your assistants who have merited that Divine Providence—and our leader, my father-in-law—placed you over Torah and service: to illuminate all Europe with the light of Torah—the infinite essence—their Chassidus. Everything above applies here as well.

The main thing is action: one must seek every possible strategy and method to expand Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Brunna both qualitatively and quantitatively—and perhaps now quantity matters most, as our Sages say: when a thousand enter study only one emerges as a teacher (see Likkutei Torah on three parshiyos regarding this teaching).

Accordingly, utilize every possible resource, every person who can help, every matter that can be used—in every possible way—so that ultimately it will fulfill the desire that Jews become Chassidim. As our master Rabbi Schneur Zalman said (as heard from my father-in-law): Chassidus is for all Jews; therefore everyone under your influence should be enlisted so their abilities, strengths, and time are devoted accordingly. No one can say "I am superfluous; I cannot be utilized," or claim lack of work proves exemption—even though everyone has an obligation per Chabad leaders' demand: each must work on his own portion in the world. But there are many levels within this responsibility; whoever has been granted greater influence by G‑d has proportionally greater responsibility.

I hope these few lines will suffice for you to mobilize—all those under your influence (and even some outside if they can help)—to simply work at spreading Chassidus! The beginning is expanding Tomchei Temimim Brunna through both Ashkenazi and Sephardi students—to maximize quantity and improve quality as much as possible—not only should current workers continue but rather each should increase effort both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Certainly arrangements can be made so workers do not interfere with each other; things can be organized so each finds satisfaction in his work without needing constant supervision at every step. Surely G‑d does not deprive any creature—their work will succeed; their livelihood and their families' livelihood will be proper.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spreading Chassidus requires mobilizing every resource and person available—with joy, unity, personal responsibility, and practical action—to illuminate Europe through Torah learning and outreach by expanding yeshivos and involving everyone under one's influence.