3259 —שיעורים קבועים לא יופסקו בשביל לימוד ליקוטי תורה

B"H, 9 Shevat, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Yisrael Zusman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 3rd of Shevat, in which you write that you have regular classes in both Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus, and since you heard about learning Chassidus on the weekly parsha in Torah Or and Likkutei Torah, you ask whether to stop one of the above classes and start with the weekly parsha. I have already clarified my opinion several times that my intent is only to add and G‑d forbid not to subtract; this applies also regarding your question. Even though the basis for the above instruction is from the saying of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe, "az men darf leben mit der tzeit" (one must live with the times), nevertheless in my view it suffices if it is impossible to add another study session; surely you will find additional time to learn at least some passages of Chassidus on the weekly parsha. For although regarding a businessman it was said that he should learn the entire weekly parsha, this does not apply to classes learned in public, as is obvious.

Regarding what you wrote about the custom for someone with a yahrzeit to make a Melaveh Malka meal and learn then from holy talks: even though I have not heard of such a custom, nevertheless a gathering of several Jews—especially at a farbrengen where words of Torah are learned—and additionally having "the meal of David King Moshiach," as is known from various places in letters of my father-in-law the Rebbe regarding farbrengens held at Melaveh Malka—may their strength be straightened and may they continue this inspiration throughout the entire week.

As support for the above one can cite what is explained in the writings of the Arizal: that when a soul ascends on its yahrzeit day—if it falls during weekdays and ascends on the preceding Shabbos—it does not descend again, as explained in Shaar HaMitzvos on Parshas Vayechi and elsewhere.

May Hashem grant you success in spreading forth the wellsprings outward—which includes even that first point outside of the spring itself (and not necessarily outward in a negative sense G‑d forbid; as explained in tzt"z's notes on Tehillim that Zeir Anpin is called "outside").

And may this be with proper health both physically and spiritually.

Blessings and regards.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that we should always seek to add more Torah learning rather than replace or diminish existing study sessions. When new opportunities arise—such as studying Likkutei Torah—they should be added without interrupting ongoing classes whenever possible.