3313 —חיזוק והפצת היהדות עם חום וחיות חסידיים

B"H, 29 Shevat, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Yirmiyah

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 22nd of Shevat (in which I also do not find a reason for such a long interruption in communication), I was pleased to read that your livelihood has stabilized and that you are still involved in communal work. Above all, my strong hope is that you will utilize every opportunity and possibility to strengthen and spread Judaism (Yiddishkeit) and the Jewish spark within everything your influence reaches. Let this be imbued with Chasidic warmth and vitality, preparing those you influence to receive the teachings of Chasidus and its guidance—not only regarding mitzvah observance but even in daily mundane matters. Surely you know the saying we have often heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal: 'That which is forbidden is indeed forbidden, and that which is permitted need not necessarily be done.' This is contrary to the mistaken notion that people today are not suited to accept this saying; on the contrary—especially in recent years, many Jews have become disillusioned with false idols called "secular ideals," seeking truth and life not in cemeteries but in synagogues and study halls. Sometimes even a little help or hint suffices for them to enter within the four cubits of prayer or Torah—and bring their families along as well. It is already well known what Hashem, Master of the Universe, says literally: 'Open for Me an opening like the eye of a needle, and I will open for you like a grand hall.'

It is somewhat surprising that in your public classes you do not mention learning practical halachot needed for daily life (besides Chayei Adam's laws of Shabbat—which are certainly insufficient). After all, action is primary as it says: 'Fear G‑d and keep His commandments, for this is all of man.' I have already written to several places—and also conveyed orally—the great necessity to publicize knowledge about blessings over enjoyment, interruptions during prayer, muktzeh, etc., as there is widespread ignorance about these matters among simple folk. If previous generations were diligent about this (see Hilchot Talmud Torah by Rabbeinu HaZaken and introductions to Shulchan Aruch by Rabbeinu HaZaken), how much more so nowadays when there has been interruption and confusion—especially among youth who see no proper conduct regarding these matters either on the street or at home. They must learn even the simplest things at school or in shul—especially these topics. About such cases it is said: 'An unintentional error in learning becomes intentional wrongdoing.' Surely from now on you will strive at least that these laws be publicized through study in appropriate ways etc., and may Hashem grant success.

...It is also surprising that you did not mention anything about Yud Shevat—the day of hilulah—even though it has already passed; my prayer regarding this remains as always. May it be G‑d's will that this omission was only in writing but not in practice.

I am interested to hear about our community members in your country; surely you are connected with them by letter or even face-to-face. Many thanks if you write about them in your next letter.

Blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe urges using every chance to strengthen Judaism with Chasidic warmth, teaching practical halachah publicly—especially for youth—and stresses personal example alongside communal involvement. Even small efforts can inspire others toward Torah life.