3999 —עידוד לרב טכורש, כתיבה מרובה על חסידות ומנהגיה

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Teves, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a rav pe'alim etc. Kateriel Fishel Techursh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

On this occasion, allow me to address a personal point: It is well known that every individual has obligations regarding mitzvos that cannot be fulfilled by others in the same way as other mitzvos—though all were given by one Shepherd. Similarly, this applies to "Yagdil Torah v'Yaadir" (to increase and glorify Torah), and to the path of life and customs of Israel, which are also Torah.

I have read what you have written on various topics and issues. I searched among them for the percentage dealing with Chasidus—its teachings and customs—and found it extremely small, at least among your published works that I have seen. In line with the above introduction, this is surprising to me: there are few who engage in matters related to Chasidus and its appropriate dissemination—especially compared to those who discuss other issues. Why should a person exchange his unique role—which is undoubtedly his own because so few or none can fill it—and devote most of his decisive time and energy to matters already addressed by many others, even if they are clear mitzvos?

This has been expressed at farbrengens with the verse: "Shomuni neterah es hakramim karami sheli lo natarti" (They made me keeper of the vineyards; my own vineyard I did not keep)—even though the former are also vineyards and Torah testifies so. Still, there is deep lament from within: my own vineyard I did not keep (even if circumstances forced me—why did it fall upon me to guard only general vineyards?).

This lengthy explanation is surely unnecessary for you; I only wish to point out that we see clearly that in matters of Chasidus and its customs—in previous generations—great effort and struggle were needed against opponents. Yet specifically in our generation—this orphaned generation—not only are there almost no opponents, but there has been an increase both quantitatively and qualitatively in those seeking Chasidus, pleading openly or silently to be shown its light.

Blessings, in accordance with the well-known saying: utilize all that G‑d has granted you for fulfilling your inner mission—to spread the wellsprings (until they reach) even outside. As is human nature, only then will one find complete inner satisfaction.

With honor and blessing.

Regarding your comment on Hilchos Berachos ch. 11 halachah 8: "Make a guardrail... bless..." which seems to contradict ibid halachah 4: "For things done due to danger no blessing is recited." The obligation for a guardrail comes from "You shall make a guardrail for your roof so you will not place blood..." In my opinion it is clear that according to Rambam "so you will not place blood..." is not merely a reason for making a guardrail but an independent commandment; after all, reasons for mitzvos are not counted among the 613 commandments (see Shoresh Chamishi in Sefer HaMitzvos). However, "so you will not place blood..." was included as a negative commandment. Rambam was compelled by Sifrei (Devarim 22:8): "You shall make a guardrail... positive commandment; you shall not place... negative commandment." If instead of making a guardrail one makes a ramp or similar structure—he fulfills the negative commandment but neglects the positive one. See Yoma 72a; commentaries on Sefer HaMitzvos there.

Summary

The Rebbe urges Rabbi Techursh to focus his unique talents on spreading Chasidus through writing about its teachings and customs—a vital role few can fulfill—especially now when many seek its light. Each person must embrace their unique mission in serving G‑d.