2343 —החשמל כמטאפורה לחסידות וחשיבות הפרט

B"H, 14 Teves, 5714.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a num"m involved in communal needs, possessing refined character traits, branch of Etz Avos etc. Maharashz Shneor Zalman Shazar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received the news that the electrification of Kfar Chabad has been completed in practice, and that a gathering already took place by its light on the bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev. As I am told, this was accomplished thanks to your efforts and energy—may your strength be straightened and many thanks.

It is an ancient Jewish custom to seek hints and lessons in every occurrence, as our Sages say: "Who is wise? One who learns from every person," and the Baal Shem Tov added to learn from every event and detail.

The light of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe—Shnei-Or—began to spread without obstacles or hindrances from his day of redemption on Yud-Tes Kislev, reaching even simple people. This is the essence of Chassidus: to draw down and connect the highest depths with the lowest depths.

By way of wit: The power of electricity is one of nature's hidden forces; this power itself cannot be grasped by any of the five senses—its existence is known only through its actions and effects. The light from this hidden force dispels darkness and banishes night’s gloom. Physically, this parallels what was described above spiritually: The hidden part of Torah—the secrets within secrets—is revealed through Chassidus and a chassidic way of life, which dispels material darkness and illuminates physical obscurity.

From general to particular: One of Judaism's main principles is the importance of the individual—in contrast to views that see it as a virtue to sacrifice individuals for the collective good. This is also expressed by our Sages: "Whoever sustains one Jewish soul is as if he sustained an entire world," along with similar sayings. Beyond this, every person possesses hidden powers and can at times become a person who influences many.

With this introduction I take this opportunity to appeal to you for the sake of an individual—even though without my urging you surely do all you can; nevertheless, we encourage those who are already diligent...

To conclude with something positive—in these days here, Sefer HaTanya has been published for the first time in "the lower hemisphere" (since our holy land is above all lands, this hemisphere is considered lower). It includes indexes etc. I have instructed that a copy be sent to you in a separate package; please confirm receipt.

With honor and esteem and blessings for proper health.

Summary

The Rebbe draws inspiration from technological progress to illustrate how hidden spiritual forces can illuminate our lives through Chassidus. He teaches that every event holds meaning and stresses Judaism’s unique emphasis on valuing each individual soul.