2667 —חובה בכל המצוות ומאיפה כל אדם מתחיל

B"H, 20 Iyar, 5714. Brooklyn.

Harav v'chassid v'chashuv ish yerei Elokim ne'eman etc. Moreinu Harav Aharon HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive regards from you through your brother, harav v'chassid v'chashuv ish yerei Elokim ne'eman, involved with tzt"z, honest businessman, Moreinu Harav Yaakov HaKohen. However, he did not write me any details about you, and I hope that you will also inform me of these. May Hashem grant you success so that there will only be good news regarding yourself and also regarding your influence on your surroundings to bring Jews closer to our Father in Heaven—each one according to his own way.

For Torah and mitzvoth are for all Jews equally; however, one must have a suitable beginning point for himself in this. If he is a businessman, he must have certain set times for learning, but his main work is in matters connected with business: giving tzedakah, being careful not to encroach on others' boundaries, theft, etc.

And those who are in holy positions such as a rabbi, shochet u'bodek (ritual slaughterer), teacher or yeshivah students—they too must give tzedakah and be careful not to encroach on boundaries or steal, etc., but their main work is to be diligent in Torah study and prayer service—and so on with similar distinctions among different classes of people. Although as said before all Jews are equally obligated in all mitzvoth without any excuse that "this mitzvah I want" and "the other mitzvah is hard for me," or wanting to fulfill it through someone else.

From this it is understood that one who has the power of speech or any influence over acquaintances and friends—his work must be to devote himself to spreading propaganda to make them Jews who study Torah and observe mitzvoth.

And since this is demanded from a Jew, it is certain that Hashem gives the strength to carry it out and pays for it with blessing and success in what he himself needs and his family as well. May Hashem grant you the merit to report good news in all the above-mentioned matters.

With blessings for success.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while every Jew is equally obligated in all mitzvoth, each person should begin from their own situation and use their unique strengths—especially their influence—to inspire others toward Torah observance. G‑d grants the ability and blessing needed for this mission.