3514 —עידוד הוספת לימוד תורה במשך חופשות הקיץ

B"H, 26 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Peretz Mutzkin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 24th of Iyar, where you write about the set times for learning Nigleh and Chassidus, and mention that after Shavuos many of Anash travel to country retreats, it is certain that in advance you will begin to speak and encourage setting fixed times for learning in these retreats—and even increasing them. For "zeh le'umat zeh asah Elokim" (G‑d made one corresponding to the other), and when the body is engaged in strengthening its health through physical matters—such as increased eating and drinking, walks, etc. (and not always with the revealed intention to serve Hashem)—this requires an increase also in the health of the soul, even more than in bodily health. This is because the environment in these retreats draws one more toward simple physical matters than in the city. At the very least, there should be an increase in spirituality equal to the increase in physicality. It is brought down that this is one of the reasons we learn Pirkei Avos immediately upon entering summer—since at this time nature is strengthened, trees blossom, etc. It is also clear that this does not contradict at all the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov "azov ta'azov imo" (you shall surely help him), nor does it require fasts or self-affliction; rather, one's desires should be clothed in holiness until the hoped-for promise is fulfilled: that not only will the body not disturb spirituality nor merely assist it, but on the contrary—'the female will surround the male.'

Blessings as my father-in-law, the Rebbe, would say: for a healthy and joyous summer—and together with good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that during summer retreats and vacations, one should increase Torah study even more than before. As physical activities grow during this time, spiritual pursuits must also be strengthened to maintain balance and sanctity.