2915 —חוסר התלהבות בחסידות הוא מבחן לאהבת ה'

B"H, 7 Elul, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter in which you write that you do not feel vitality in learning Chasidus and you ask for advice about this. Certainly you know from our Sages of blessed memory that the acceptance of the Torah was specifically through the declaration of "Na'aseh v'Nishma" (we will do and we will hear)—which means understanding and vitality (for if taken literally, it is impossible to do before hearing what to do). Therefore, one should not be disturbed if he too is tested in this area, and G‑d forbid to become weak in learning because every matter of a test is as it says: it is to know whether you love Hashem your G‑d.

He should be careful with the immersion of Ezra and say every day after prayer the daily portion of Tehillim—as Tehillim is divided according to the days of the month—according to the institution of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory. And before prayer he should set aside a coin for charity and do acts of charity in his environment by influencing others to draw their hearts closer to our Father in Heaven. Surely this will help him remove concealments until he feels—not just knows—the goodness of the hidden light within Torah in general and especially within Chasidus.

Awaiting good news and with blessings for all good.

In the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual dryness is a test meant to reveal one's true love for Hashem. By persisting in study and positive actions despite lack of excitement, one can remove obstacles and eventually experience genuine vitality in Torah and Chasidus.