2478 —יעילות, שמירה אלוקית, ושליחותו של כל יהודי

B"H, 20 Adar II, 5714. Brooklyn.

Mechutan haVavac"h iy"a nu"n beneshek Moha"r Shmuel Aba Shapira

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your two letters from the 8th and 25th of Shevat in one envelope, as well as your letter from the 5th of Adar II. Thank you for what you wrote regarding the mezuzah, the spice box, and the plate. As I was informed by haVavac"h iy"a nu"n who is involved in tzt"z with energy—Reb P. Altahaiz—I am enclosing here another mezuzah in its place.

May it be G‑d's will that, as explained in Midrash about the difference between the connection of the Holy One Blessed be He and His servants versus a human master and servant below—below, it is upon the servant to guard and care for his master's matters and even his master himself; whereas above, "Hashem is your Guardian; Hashem is your shade at your right hand," and this is also hinted at by the mezuzah: G‑d's Name is found on the doorpost between a person's home and possessions and the outside world, guarding both the person and all his affairs within his four cubits. It is also known that the name written on the outside of the mezuzah hints at "Guardian of Israel's doors." Clearly this does not refer only to a physical house but also to a person's domain and spiritual matters. So too may the Creator guard each one of us so that all our material and spiritual matters will be complete, and each one will fulfill his mission in this world.

With this I allow myself to comment on what you wrote at the end of your letter regarding your future life plans: When we observe the world—even its inanimate part—we see everything arranged by strong laws; everything has its place and purpose; nothing exists in vain. How much more so regarding humans endowed with intellect—and even more so for members of that nation who are told "You have chosen us from among all nations." Therefore, without any doubt or hesitation, every Jew has a mission—and thus also a place—in life. Especially for someone who is a "bar avhan," certainly previous generations have endowed him with special qualities—as it says: "The merit of their ancestors assists them." Since action is primary, he can surely bring these qualities into actual deed.

It is understood that it is not always easy to find one's path or purpose. But we are assured: "If you toil—you will find." The very certainty that there is something to seek—and that one has been given not only strength to search but also to find—brings closer and hastens success both in searching and finding.

It goes without saying—the way of Lubavitch and Chabad Chassidim is not moralizing; certainly G‑d forbid this is not my intention. My only concern regards practical action: I am confident that with proper searching you will find your path—your area where you can act and influence those around you. In turn, this reciprocal process will add blessing and success to your own affairs as well.

Blessings for good health and spiritual satisfaction from how you settle in the very near future.

P.S. Since you also mentioned in your letter about the Sefer Torah in your possession—I would be most grateful if you could write me some details about it as well.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every Jew has a unique mission endowed by previous generations. Through sincere effort to discover one's purpose—and with trust in G‑d's protection—one can achieve fulfillment while positively impacting others.