3476 —שע"ה פרקים של הרבי הקודם על רצון ותענוג

B"H, 12 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n etc. Avraham Tzvi Landa

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 25th of Nissan and Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar, which were received together...

Regarding what you wrote about the story concerning the 375 chapters on the topic of "who compels whom—Rotzon (will) or Tanug (delight)," which the previous Rebbe wrote for himself when he was young, then burned them, and later regretted it—this is from a story told by one of the elder chassidim, Reb Michael Dworkin of blessed memory—and you ask for an explanation.

I do not know why an explanation is needed—whether about the number or about the subject. Regarding the number: in the margin you will find a reference from which it is understood that 375 relates to Rotzon and Tanug, which are Kesser, Atik, and Arich in man below, and consequently also in man above. This is also referenced in Hemshech Tof Res Samech Vav where it discusses Rotzon and Tanug.

As for why he burned them and later regretted it: it can possibly be explained that since this concerns Pnimiyus HaTorah (the inner dimension of Torah), he did not want to say something he had not heard from his teacher. See also Zohar Chelek Beis 221b. Afterwards he regretted this because it involved understanding a concept he had received from his teacher.

Incidentally: regarding what you wrote "and your sign is Yad Yosef," apparently this was omitted according to this; "and it was divided into fourteen parts."

Blessings, in the name of my revered teacher and master shlita (may he live), secretary.

This moment your letter from the 9th of Iyar has been received.

Summary

The Rebbe explains that the number 375 has deep significance relating to Rotzon and Tanug as aspects of Kesser in both man below and above. He clarifies why such writings might be destroyed out of humility or reverence for one's teacher but also notes regret over lost insights.