2943 —השגחת ה', אחריות אישית, ושימוש בהשפעה של אדם

B"H, 22 Elul, 5714.

Brooklyn, NY.

Brachah v'Shalom!

It has been some time since I received your letter in which you describe your emotional state as well as your work in the field of education, especially with a group of girls in... I also received a letter from the group of girls in which their mood is also reflected. As is known, the character of the teacher is greatly evident in the student.

In response to your letter: surely it is unnecessary to explain to a Bas Yisrael like yourself—especially as you are from Russia and remember the circumstances and trials you experienced—that the world is not ownerless and that Hashem runs it in all its details with individual Divine Providence. This is one of the foundations of our faith: all Jewish men and women are believers, children of believers—even if this faith does not always appear openly.

From this it is understood that nothing in the world is for naught; every matter has its unique purpose. Thus, if the desired purpose does not come to fruition—and all the more so if the opposite occurs—it is clear that harm results for oneself and for the entire world.

This matter is even clearer to those whom Divine Providence saved from descending into destruction during times of decrees upon our people. Even with slight contemplation one can understand that they were not saved miraculously because of their own merit or righteousness but for a specific purpose. At least from now on they must fulfill their role and portion in this world—and certainly not destroy it.

Anyone endowed with special qualities that give them influence must use these qualities for the benefit of their environment; this is not a private matter. All the more so must one recognize their responsibility toward the younger generation just beginning to find their way in life.

After this introduction—though it may be unnecessary to elaborate on what follows—for greater clarity and so as not to leave any doubt I will elaborate even where brevity would suffice: Since Hashem took out from confinement and saved... with signs and wonders beyond nature, bringing them to a place where they can accomplish great things—even without self-sacrifice but merely by giving over their will—there can be no doubt that they must set aside their own "existence" and selfishness for truth's sake.

It is clear that all difficulty here lies only in putting action before understanding (where "understanding" means comprehension)—that is, accepting the yoke involved. And since Hashem also saved her... and granted her influence over her environment generally and youth specifically—it is obvious she must recognize both privilege and responsibility here, G‑d forbid to destroy it.

She must use her talents fully—not just partially—to instill simple faith among Jewish boys and girls, especially among youth, leaving no room for doubts in faith.

She should not forget this simple truth: what seems like doubts about fundamental matters are only illusions stemming from evil in the world—a part of which exists within every person (the yetzer hara)—which obscures light and truth. It is also what incites one to say she cannot influence others because she herself still has doubts. But she is neither the first nor last in such a situation.

Experience has already shown that all those who followed their ancestors' path—the path of our Torah of life (life even in this world)—just as among Israel as a whole those who kept Torah and mitzvos still exist today while those groups who strayed either left no remnant or are only a few who fade away—so too regarding individuals: by holding fast daily—especially regarding speech and actual deed—to Torah's path, one's days are meaningful and satisfying (when making an honest soul-accounting), enjoying true pleasure when seeing one's positive influence on others. Not so for those who turned away—who sowed doubts and thus reaped disappointments etc.—it pains me to elaborate on such distressing matters.

The conclusion from all above: since Hashem endowed her with influential talents; she merited years immersed in an environment saturated with awe of Heaven and practical mitzvah observance; she has an added special merit—a circle of youth around her who can encourage her not to be affected at all by undesirable influences which could cause harm etc.—her duty and privilege are to utilize these talents and merits fully.

Even if her approach does not yet sit perfectly well intellectually—her students cannot wait until she reaches perfection or banishes all confusing thoughts; every passing day is an irretrievable loss. As above—I have no doubt this is her mission in life—for which Hashem saved her from all she endured and brought her here now.

And with Hashem—the Supreme One—one does not bargain.

Blessings for outstanding success in all above; may Hashem also grant personal success so all comes without excessive concealment or obstacles—and blessings for being inscribed and sealed for good. Awaiting good news ^[1].

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that each person has a unique mission given by Hashem. Recognizing Divine Providence means using one's strengths fully for good—even amid doubts—and understanding that failing one's purpose affects both oneself and the world at large.