3507 —התועדות ל"ג בעומר, אתרוגים מאיטליה, והתועדות חסידית

B"H, 25 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g veHaraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Yitzchak Dubov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Thursday: Regarding the etrogim from Italy, I have already replied that I do not have information from there. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for you to contact Haraha"g Haraha"ch etc. Moreinu HaRav Mordechai HaKohen Perlau who resides in Milan, Italy.

I enjoyed what you wrote—even if only a few words—about the Lag B'Omer farbrengen. May it be G‑d's will that such gatherings occur more frequently. As our Sages say: 'Gedolah Ligimah Shemekarevet' (Great is sharing a meal for it brings people closer), and as the Alter Rebbe said regarding chassidic gatherings—may all the hoped-for outcomes of a proper farbrengen be fulfilled...

Regarding what you wrote in Tanya chapter 143—that awe which comes from contemplating G‑d's greatness is considered 'greatness' of awe (yirat haromemut), not 'lower awe' (yirat onesh). This matter is explained well in Kuntres HaAvodah chapter 3.

With blessing—as per the wording of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness,

M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe encourages frequent chassidic gatherings for their spiritual impact and directs practical questions to knowledgeable sources. He highlights the importance of deep contemplation in serving G‑d with true awe.