2837 —מעשה טוב אחד מרומם את כל העולם ואת כל האומות

B"H, 28 Tammuz, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Avraham Sender

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive the news that you and your wife, may you both live, are now in a place of rest in New Haven. Surely, even there you are seeking opportunities to spread the light of Torah and the candle of mitzvah, as well as the illumination of Torah—its guidance and customs—in your surroundings. As is well known, my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), explained the phrase from our Sages: "engaged in Torah but not studying Torah." Just as in business one tries to set up shop where there is much foot traffic, so too one should not sit closed off in a room within a room waiting for someone to come offer a business opportunity; rather, people chase after him. In exactly this way should one's engagement with Torah be—there is no need to elaborate further.

Certainly, since you are striving in this manner, you will succeed—as our Sages ruled: "You have toiled and found [success]."

Blessings for a healthy and joyful summer and that all the above matters be clarified thoroughly.

As is brought out by the hint that "heitev" (to clarify well) in its numerical value—hei=5, hei-yud=15, heit-tes=24, heitev=26—totals 70. This means it has been clarified for all seventy nations; similarly with each individual's personal refinement—it ultimately affects all seventy nations. As our Sages ruled and as brought by Rambam: a person must see himself as balanced between merit and guilt; with one action he can tip himself and the entire world toward merit.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every Jew's effort to spread Torah and mitzvos impacts not only their immediate environment but also has global significance—one good deed can bring merit to oneself and all humanity.