2391 —הבהרת מקורות בהערות תורה וחשיבות הציון המדויק

B"H, 6th of Shevat, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Hillel Medalia

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Thank you for your comments on my letter from the 19th of Kislev last year and regarding what you wrote about the passage "Yedu'im," suggesting to cite the words of the Zohar Parshas Balak. It seems you refer to page 196b, but there it is not necessarily speaking about the soul before its descent below—on the contrary—and therefore it is not relevant to the matter discussed in my letter, which specifically concerns before the descent into a body, as is evident.

Regarding the passage "Af Al Pi" where you cited "a reliable source for this in Tanna D'vei Eliyahu on the verse 'Baruch HaGever,'" perhaps you mean Tanna D'vei Eliyahu Rabbah at the beginning of chapter 18 (and it is surprising that you did not specify in your letter the chapter, page, and section of the book; and after Rav Ashi's statement about forgetfulness being a trait of their generations (Eruvin 53a), what can we answer after him?), but seemingly this does not pertain to our discussion in my letter since there it discusses human needs like eating and drinking etc., or even needs in Olam HaBa—that is, reward for mitzvos...

With blessings for success in general matters and in your personal affairs, awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes careful citation when discussing Torah sources to avoid confusion or misapplication. Accurate references ensure clarity and depth in Torah study and correspondence.