2443 —התגברות על כיווץ וצמצום ופעלת בשמחה בעניני חב"ד

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5714.

Brooklyn.

To the leadership of Agudas Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh, may G‑d be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is surprising that for a long time I have not received any letter from you. Even regarding my telegram for the yahrzeit-hilulah of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal—the leader of the generation—which is on the tenth of Shevat, when I sent a telegram requesting that Kfar Chabad and all Chabad institutions in Eretz HaKodesh be notified to hold a farbrengen on the day of the hilulah and to be inspired toward good actions, relying on what is known that "the shepherd does not abandon his flock," I have yet to receive confirmation of receipt or information as to which institutions received this message. Most importantly, what practical actions resulted from it? Surely you will fulfill all the above at the earliest opportunity, and thank you in advance.

b) I am also surprised that after I have requested several times to be informed about developments that could affect Chabad institutions and activities... Besides what is known from books—not only chassidic works but also understood by healthy intellect—that every man and woman are not just individuals but their actions affect the collective as well, since each one is an agent of Hashem to illuminate their surroundings with Divine light. If one wishes to succeed in their personal four cubits, this can only happen by fulfilling Hashem's mission—He is master over both collective and individual matters. Therefore, Chabad chassidim have a special role—since our leaders invested special powers in them and assigned them a unique mission based on Ahavas Yisrael, as explained by our Rebbeim: this means even someone at the end of the world whom one has never seen. They must strive with utmost energy to know what is happening around them—in their city and wherever their influence can reach—and seek ways to act according to the guidance given by our holy Rebbeim. As above—this is the only path for chassidim to succeed in their personal matters: protecting themselves from harmful people or events and succeeding in good deeds—in Torah and mitzvos as well as material and spiritual needs—for themselves and their families.

c) I have hinted at all this several times already, but unfortunately it has not led to concrete action. Since I have no choice—just as you have no choice—I repeat again and again, hoping perhaps it will help. One justification I can find is that your current state of mind is contrary to the Torah's command "VeYigbah Libo B'Darchei Hashem" ("His heart was uplifted in the ways of Hashem"), so you are experiencing constriction and limitation. I have written many times recently that this is not the way to succeed—neither collectively nor individually; on the contrary, constriction is the root of harsh judgments. It is essential to work on all Chabad matters with expansiveness as per our Rebbe's will and instruction. When you fulfill "Serve Hashem with joy," joy nullifies judgments and breaks boundaries.

It is already known from the days of Rabbeinu HaZaken (the Alter Rebbe), founder of Chabad chassidus—its teachings, guidance, customs—that many opposed him; chief among them was Avigdor who also slandered him falsely. But soon his disgrace was revealed publicly—even though he managed to sway those unfamiliar with yetzer hara's tricks—and ultimately his downfall was complete; chassidus triumphed fully within weeks. Afterwards it spread even more widely among tens of thousands of Jews. There’s no need for lengthy discussion—all details are well-known. All the more so after seven generations since Rabbeinu HaZaken: chassidus continues spreading spiritually—and therefore materially too—so if at any time a lowly person rises against it there’s no reason for concern at all! The insolence exists only because he sees people fear him; their fear makes an impression when gatherings aren’t held properly on special days etc. But if he would immediately see his disgrace exposed—the full truth told about him—it would be nullified automatically (as explained in Tanya); just like Avigdor later went door-to-door among chassidim seeking help...

We do not cry over the past; my intent here concerns future success in your personal affairs—in addition to general communal activism—it’s essential not to give any place at all for baseless fears... Like wax melting away, so too will they see there’s nothing real there; all distress caused was only because reality was given room it did not deserve. In this way you will also see tangible success both personally and communally.

I hope these few lines suffice for you to adopt our ancestors’ path according to Torah’s command: "Let sins cease—not sinners." The entire existence of kelipah (spiritual obstruction), as explained in Tanya chapter 29, is that regarding holiness within a Jew’s animal soul Hashem gave it permission/ability temporarily rise up against holiness so man should awaken himself to overcome it—and then it becomes nullified automatically. Even if kelipah dresses itself up as a person with a beard wearing long garments outwardly behaving like a chassid—it’s known from Rabbeinu HaZaken’s saying that Esav wore a silk sirtuk (coat). May Hashem grant you broadness of mind and heart needed by every Jew—and especially by Chabad chassidim about whom tzt"z said: "Anan paala d'yomama anan" ("We are workers of daylight")—our task being to illuminate the world with mitzvah-candles, Torah-light, especially through chassidus—which must be done with uplifted heart in G‑d's ways.

I await good news regarding all these matters and conclude with blessings for outstanding success both generally and personally—for you and your entire families.

Summary

The Rebbe urges overcoming feelings of limitation through joy and expansive action rooted in Ahavas Yisrael. Success comes when we serve Hashem enthusiastically without fear or constriction—illuminating ourselves, our communities, and beyond through dedication to our unique mission.