3928 —הכרת תודה לרב טלושקין על ספר חדש והערות מלומדות

B"H, 5th of Kislev, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Nissan Telushkin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your book, "The Torah and the World," first volume. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending it. I enjoyed leafing through its pages as time permitted, noticing that it begins with a saying from the Baal Shem Tov and concludes its introduction with a saying from the tzt"z. While the topics in the book have intrinsic value, those on a higher level can utilize them for an even greater purpose—the spreading of the wellsprings.

This is like what is told among Chassidim about the saying of Haraha"g Haraha"ch Haraha"tz Reb Hillel of Paritch, who said that all his stringencies in mitzvah observance are so that the concept of Chassidus will be absorbed better. Several such ideas are also explained in Nigleh of Torah: that certain mitzvos, beyond their own purpose, serve as preparation for more inclusive mitzvos—until ultimately all Torah and mitzvahs are for the comprehensive goal, as it is written: "And He commanded us... to fear Hashem our G‑d." This period of Ikvesa d'Meshicha, this month and these days, are especially suited for spreading the wellsprings outward.

Out of fondness for the matter I am including some notes copied in the margins.

Blessings that you continue for many years to successfully lead your congregation on an ascending path toward Beis El with proper health, in line with the hope and aspiration of our Alter Rebbe—to influence them to become ever more Chassidic...

Some notes: Although it is known that one does not respond to homiletics:

Parshas Chayei Sarah (44ff): The reason women die during childbirth is due to lack of care in lighting Shabbos candles. It can be explained simply: this mitzvah was given as a correction for what Chava caused by eating from the Tree of Knowledge which brought death into the world; when this correction is lacking they are punished for that sin. Similarly our Sages say: "The Holy One forgave idolatry etc., but did not forgive neglecting Torah study..."—when there is no love for Torah, punishment remains even for severe sins.

Also note regarding Shabbos candle lighting: there was also a dispute with Karaites and Samaritans who interpreted "Do not kindle fire" as forbidding any fire burning on Shabbos; it is known how strictly they opposed things not accepted by Sadducees. See also references cited in Torah Shleimah vol. 14 p. 320.

Parshas Vayetze (65ff): Thank you for your article against compromises; this is the most alarming breach in this country and era—not only do people not follow Torah's guidance to add safeguards in such cases; they even add breach upon breach under pretense of at least saving a minority—though experience shows otherwise. However, including here also chuppah under open sky as done here via an opening in a roof needs consideration—it is not a compromise but fulfills the matter fully.

Parshas Vayishlach (67ff): The story about Haraha"tz Reb Mikhel of Zlotchov—a similar story appears in Likkutei Diburim vol. 15 regarding our Rebbe Rayatz z"l but about Reb Meir of Premishlan—perhaps they are two separate stories. Also see at end of p. 189; check Likkutei Diburim vol. 11 regarding HaM Maggid of Mezritch.

The book ends with a saying from our Rebbe tzt"z; note also a saying from our Rebbe Maharash at end of his booklet Etz HaChaim, beginning ch. 31.

Summary

The Rebbe expresses gratitude for Rabbi Telushkin's scholarly work and encourages using Torah study as a means to spread Chassidus further. He highlights how every mitzvah can serve higher purposes and offers constructive notes to inspire ongoing communal leadership and spiritual growth.