2730 —לנצל כל רגע לקלוט חסידות ולהתכונן לביאת משיח

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 10th of Sivan in which you ask my opinion about traveling to Morocco for three or four months so you can complete the funds needed for your trip to the United States, etc.

It is already well known, both in the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah, how great is the matter of Torah study—that even matters of Heaven do not compare to it. However, as our Sages ruled (Shabbos 31a), Torah study must be with fear of Heaven specifically; then "the fear of G‑d is his treasure," and there is lasting value to Torah study as hinted in the verse "VeHayah Emunas Itecha... Chochmah VeDaas" ("And your faithfulness will be your times... wisdom and knowledge"). Since Hashem has granted you success and placed you in a bright corner—namely, Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, founded and directed by righteous men: the Rebbe Rashab and his son my father-in-law—the obligation is upon you to cherish every moment, all the more so days, weeks, and months, to remain within its four cubits and diligently study both Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Nistar (hidden Torah) with true dedication.

Therefore—any idea that disturbs this possibility, even if it seems at first glance to come from a good inclination, is nothing but a tactic of the evil inclination. Our Sages said he is an expert (Shabbos 108b) in his craft and approaches each person with such enticements hoping they will heed his persuasion and efforts to divert them from the path leading up to the house of G‑d. The same applies in your case: Decide firmly yourselves that you will learn with dedication where you are now; do not listen to arguments coming from the left side that try to convince you "when I have time I will learn," for it is well known from Mishnah (Avos 2:4): "Do not say 'when I have time I will learn,' lest you never have time."

Especially since every Jew believes in and hopes for the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days. The preparation for this—as Moshiach told our master the Baal Shem Tov—is that he will come when "your wellsprings spread outward." Therefore, you must utilize every possible moment now to absorb the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov as thoroughly explained in Chassidus—Chochmah Binah Daas—so that you can stand at the forefront among those privileged to greet Moshiach soon.

The main thing is not study but action—that is, actual learning with diligence and true dedication out of pure fear of Heaven. This comes through avodah in prayer and is also evident in meticulous mitzvah observance.

I await good news from you that you are increasing your diligence in learning both Nigleh and Chassidus more and more, ascending higher in holiness from time to time. As for all thoughts about traveling here back-and-forth etc., for now put them out of your mind.

With blessings for success in Torah study, avodah in prayer, and meticulous mitzvah observance.

P.S. It is understood that all of the above applies also to your friends. I empower you to publicize this letter’s content among your classes. Certainly, mashpia Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n whose work is holy—one with good character traits and energy—Moreinu HaRav Nisan Naamanov can further explain all these points since it’s impossible to clarify every detail by letter.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every moment should be treasured for learning Chasidus where one currently studies; distractions—even those appearing positive—are often tactics of the yetzer hara. Diligent learning prepares us to greet Moshiach at the forefront.