3200 —ספקות וטענות שמחלישים את עבודתך אינם מהיצר טוב

B"H, 18 Teves, 5715. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 26th of Kislev ^[1]—after your very long silence—even considering the reasons you write for this, they are still not accepted. But we do not cry over the past, and surely it will be corrected from now on.

Regarding what you write about needing to be careful in how you write, etc., this applies when writing diplomatic matters that are only superficial; in such cases, style and imagined honor are primary. But when it comes to matters of heartfelt feeling, especially those affecting the fate of young souls just beginning their path in life—where every detail can impact decades—then external beauty only covers up the true situation and leads to harm rather than correction.

I was pleased to read that the situation has improved in several areas, especially in the inner attitude of the girls' group towards Chassidic conduct and spirit. It is certainly unnecessary to emphasize again that although it is explained in many places—not only in Chassidic teachings but even in non-Jewish ethical works—the necessity of accepting a yoke (kabbalat ol), as our Sages said: "na'aseh before nishma" (we will do before we will hear), it is obvious this does not mean constant self-affliction or breaking one's spirit or body. Rather, it is solely about preparing oneself so that form dominates matter, truth over falsehood, and thus true good (which ultimately is also good for life in this world) over evil. Since man is born wild and lips drip honey but her end is bitter as wormwood—the beginning must be with action, even through accepting a yoke. The deeper this beginning is, the sooner one understands this is the path to good and truth. It is also clear that one cannot set a fixed time for how long such conduct should last—it depends on each person's nature and circumstances.

Regarding what you write about yourself and your doubts: it has already been explained in similar matters that our lot is good and our destiny beautiful—that we were born in ikveta d'meshicha (the generation before Mashiach), after so much light has been revealed in our Torah of life, especially through Chassidus—and most specifically Chabad Chassidus—which has clothed even the deepest secrets of Torah in words understandable by anyone who desires.

On this topic: it is known that my father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), quoted his father (the Rebbe Rashab) as saying: sometimes the yetzer hara dresses itself in a silk cloak to deceive a person. The test for this is: anything that prevents actual work comes from the opposite side. In your case too—the doubts and arguments that completely prevent or at least weaken your actual work certainly do not come from your desire or Yetzer Tov (as my father-in-law would say: sometimes it's a "frum nefesh habehamis," let alone a chassidishe nefesh habehamis; sometimes there arises a great desire to study Chassidus or contemplate some deep idea—but really it's just advice from the yetzer hara to prevent action; any obstacle here comes only from tricks of the animal soul).

Regarding your question about wanting to influence others but feeling you lack sufficient knowledge or education—even if this were true—in our generation (and really always), even if one cannot give 100%, one must give what they can and pray to Hashem Yisbarach to use all their abilities to increase further. But this is no reason to stop influencing others—especially considering conditions in Eretz HaKodesh where waves of heresy grow stronger; no one who can help may withdraw from this struggle. Even if now you cannot be a chief commander or important leader—you must fulfill your role as best you can; just as in physical war—this itself prepares you for higher roles. This is seen clearly; if you use your talents and knowledge now as best as possible for good purposes—I am certain you will soon see fruits—not only saving one soul (which itself is an entire world) but many souls.

As I wrote previously: everything Hashem does is beautiful in its time, place, and environment; since you merited being among Anash/Chabad—this is where your soul finds satisfaction by fulfilling its divinely assigned task at this time/place. Everyone knows that since G‑d created everything for good—when He gives someone a special mission He first gives them all necessary abilities; may you use all your abilities fully...

Regarding what you wrote about girls' gatherings: experience here and elsewhere shows that when girls themselves lead activities like giving talks etc., it arouses greater energy among their friends and more interest.

About performances organized from time to time: generally these are very good—but care must be taken regarding things people treat lightly though they are Torah prohibitions (e.g., "a man's garment shall not be on a woman," public singing by women, mixing between genders etc.).

Concerning Yud Shevat coming up: suggest to the girls—or at least older ones—that each write an essay on some aspect of my father-in-law's work or talks etc.

Blessings for increased participation in educating young women according to our holy Rebbeim's wishes; may you see much reward for your efforts and much nachas from your children—and I await good news on all these matters.

Summary

Doubts or arguments that prevent or weaken one's positive actions stem not from holiness but from negative inclinations. Every sincere effort counts—even if imperfect—and G‑d grants each person exactly what they need to fulfill their unique mission.