3830 —מדוע הרע מצליח ונצחיות הדרכת התורה

B"H, 18 Tishrei, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Mr. Sh. B., known as Dr. Ullman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter from 9/29 was received, as well as the printed material you sent—thank you very much.

Regarding what you wrote about the reformers, etc., that they lack no resources, unlike the side of holiness; and you conclude with "What should a living man complain about? Perhaps it is enough that he is alive." There is no need to elaborate on the obvious fact that such a conclusion is incorrect, and the chronicles of the Jewish people over thousands of years prove this. In the language of Scripture: Madua derech resha'im tzalecha ("Why does the way of the wicked prosper") ^[1], and our sages explained that even Moshe Rabbeinu, teacher of all Israel, raised this question ^[2]. Nevertheless, he received the Torah at Sinai and transmitted it, etc., until our generation and future generations—a Torah that is eternal; for Torah means instruction, and its eternal nature means its teachings are binding and merit-giving in every place and time.

Among these teachings is the ruling at the end of Kiddushin: Ani nivreisi leshamesh es koni ("I was created to serve my Creator"). This is a constant commandment in every place and at every moment of a person's life. This service can only be done in the way that the Creator paved for us: to spread ner mitzvah Torah or (the candle of mitzvah is Torah light), and the illumination within Torah is its inner dimension—in one's own four cubits, whose center is his body and animal soul, as well as his close and distant surroundings.

All confusing questions—and sometimes those which conceal or obscure—are in most cases resolved through appropriate effort and contemplation with help from Heaven; even if one has not yet reached such a level (especially since it is evident that those who attain spiritual heights are few), this does not exempt anyone from fulfilling his daily mission. Since Hashem demands this from him, He certainly has already given him the strength to fulfill this mission; it depends only on his will. Just as no question confuses one from meeting bodily needs like eating or drinking—how much more so should it not confuse one from meeting the needs of his soul's source of life: spiritual nourishment through Torah and mitzvos.

With blessings for success in all of the above and for good news.

Due to the sanctity of the festival, His Honor—the Rebbe—did not personally sign; I am signing on his behalf.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while questions about why evil prospers are ancient—even Moshe Rabbeinu asked them—the eternal guidance of Torah remains our anchor. Our duty is to serve our Creator daily with confidence that G‑d provides us with all necessary strength.