3280 —משיכת אלו שמחוץ לחסידות בהתועדויות חסידיות

B"H, 16 Shevat, 5715. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Certainly to your honor it is unnecessary to elaborate on how much our holy Rebbeim, especially my father-in-law the Rebbe—zatzukal l'havdil ben chayim mezakeh zichro yagen aleinu—were involved in Chasidic farbrengens, as is explained in many places in their writings and publications. One of the intentions was to draw in even those who are currently outside the guidance and conduct of Chasidus, and afterwards also to its study.

It is understood that for such people one must speak in terms appropriate to their current state, not in the "sharp Chabad" language that might push them away instead of drawing them near. This applies not only to speech but even more so to actual conduct.

If in previous generations it was mainly the leaders and elders of Anash who needed to be careful about this—and if their conduct was proper, it did not matter so much how other Anash and chasidim behaved—nowadays when people look at chasidim, especially Lubavitcher chasidim, with great scrutiny, everyone—even those younger than sixty or fifty—must behave in a way that draws outsiders closer rather than the opposite...

My request is that you do everything possible to influence all participants at the farbrengen so that their behavior will be pleasant and peaceful—not only inwardly (which is already assumed) but even outwardly and in their speech. I am confident you will fulfill this request sincerely. May it be G‑d's will that there should be immediate success—increasing the number of participants even from outside Anash—continuously growing.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that farbrengens should be welcoming and accessible, aiming to draw outsiders closer through pleasant conduct and speech. Our actions and words must reflect sensitivity so others are inspired to join Chasidus.