3536 —התגברות על פיזור הדעת על ידי חברות והדרכה

B"H, Eve of the Festival of Weeks, 5715. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 9th of Iyar, which was received after some delay, in which you write about your distractions and scattered thoughts that consequently affect your studies in Nigleh and Chassidus as well as your prayer.

In such matters, the well-known advice is “Acquire for yourself a friend.” In addition to occasionally speaking with the elders of Anash about everything, you should have a true friend—meaning someone before whom you can reveal all that is on your heart. It is already known from our sages: “If there is worry in a person's heart, let him speak of it,” and the Mitteler Rebbe commented that in this way two G‑dly souls battle against one animal soul, and we see the tangible benefit of this.

Regarding what you wrote about putting on tefillin and what you saw in the responsa of Tzemach Tzedek, etc., it is clear that your question—whether there is an obligation to recite another blessing when putting tefillin on your other arm after prayer—does not apply here, since when in doubt regarding blessings we are lenient. The only possible question would be the opposite: whether to recite a blessing even the first time since there is doubt. Certainly when you recite the blessing your intention also includes putting them on your other arm later. As for how exactly you should put them on, the details are not clear enough in your letter; present them specifically to rabbis who are G‑d-fearing authorities and they will instruct you.

Finally, regarding your notification about your engagement with B.G., may it be G‑d’s will that it be for good fortune at an auspicious and successful time, and may you build an everlasting edifice upon the foundations of Torah and mitzvah as illuminated by the light within Torah—that is, Chassidus.

Blessings for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness.

P.S. You wrote that the wedding date was set for Adar 5716; I am surprised at such a long interval until the wedding. Surely both sides will agree to move it up at an auspicious and successful time.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that sharing one's inner struggles with a true friend brings real benefit in overcoming distractions in spiritual life. He also emphasizes seeking proper rabbinic guidance for halachic questions and encourages timely celebration of joyful occasions.