3497 —שמירה על ההשראה הרוחנית לאחר התפילה והלימוד

B"H, 21 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

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

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 17th of Iyar, where you ask about my statement that even the very first point outside the spring is considered "outside": From the very terms revealed Torah and hidden Torah, body of Torah and soul of Torah, it is understood that in every matter and detail there are both aspects—revealed and hidden. Since according to Nigleh (the revealed aspect), the first point outside the spring is not itself the spring, so too in the inner and spiritual sense this must be so. See Reshimos Tehillim by tzt"z 118:19 sec. 8.

Practically speaking—even Anash and even true elders of Anash must know that studying a maamar of Chassidus or prayer itself—which is like the spring itself—is not a guarantee (bavarenish) for what comes after. Care must be taken to extend the inspiration from prayer and study into the moment immediately following. Even if that next moment is also connected to prayer or study—such as reciting Tehillim after prayer or learning a lesson after prayer—just as in Nigleh one must ensure there is no interruption between the spring and its adjacent trough, as explained in Mishnah, Shas, and Poskim.

Regarding your question about "he did not merit," whether this applies to someone who studies Torah publicly: It is well known—the story of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (printed also in a pamphlet)—from which it is clear that even public study can be affected by this*. However, from the fact that this story was only publicized once—and until then was unknown, and even afterward rarely mentioned—it is understood that in most cases this concern is just a tactic of the yetzer hara to prevent participation in communal Torah study. The merit of the many helps; when he sees he has no other way out, he cunningly suggests—under pretense of piety—that it’s not worthwhile to participate, etc., but we follow the majority.

Regarding your question about how to settle in the new section of Kfar Chabad: I have already written my opinion to several Anash that since it involves owing others, one should not act deceitfully here—even if some leniency might technically apply. On the other hand, one should strive as much as possible to become a resident of Kfar Chabad. In my view it is clear: this is the channel and vessel for receiving blessing and success bestowed through my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, who stands on high and arouses abundant mercy especially for Anash residing in Kfar Chabad.

With blessings for success.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual inspiration from prayer or study must be consciously extended into subsequent moments. He encourages honesty regarding communal matters and highlights special blessings for those living in Kfar Chabad.