3733 —חשיבות המעשה בפועל והשפעה על אחרים

B"H, 24 Menachem Av, 5715. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to the second issue enclosed in your letter ... it is clear that I was pleased with what you wrote about a diverse group gathering in your home on Shabbat, like a kind of farbrengen.

Certainly, it is unnecessary to remind you of our Sages' teaching and the Mishnah: "Not study is the main thing, but action." In the language of Chassidus: from every farbrengen there must be a "therefore"—something practical, at least an action in thought—which reflects the advantage of one who serves over one who merely understands, and even more so.

And as they said: if someone errs in a matter of Mishnah, he must correct himself; meaning that there can be no disagreement or error here. Especially since those you mention in your letter each have their own circle of influence. Therefore, any positive change in one of them—when it comes to actual deed—is multiplied many times over among those they influence. The well-known parable is told of a single small candle whose light is multiplied many times by a lantern.

It is true that we see clearly and understand intellectually that specifically the practical part is accepted with more difficulty than matters of thought—and all the more so thoughts within thoughts—but our Sages have already informed us that Torah comes specifically through difficulties, including emotional struggles which are essential here...

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while intellectual discussion has value, practical action is primary. Positive deeds not only benefit oneself but multiply through one's influence on others. Even when action is difficult, it brings true growth and fulfillment in Torah.