4056 —זכות הרבי מגינה ומצילה בכל עת

B"H, 25 Teves, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Ephraim Eliezer HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the day of the yahrzeit of our master the Alter Rebbe, 24 Teves, may it be G‑d's will that the traditional and sanctified formula passed down through generations in such matters be fulfilled: "His merit should protect us," and this will serve as both shield and salvation at the time of engagement (in Torah) and even when not engaged (in Torah).

This is because the leaders of Chabad, who seek inner meaning in every matter, are all Torah (Sotah 21a), a lesson for all those connected to them and thereby for all Israel. See also Tanya chapter 5 and the beginning of Kuntres Etz HaChayim.

Enclosed is what was published on this topic; they also printed there a passage regarding the yahrzeit, even though it is not complete.

Blessings—in connection with your birthday—for a year of success, and blessings for good news. The revelation has been received regarding this matter.

Regarding what you wrote in Torah Or (55a): Malchus d'Atzilus whose root is from Malchus d'Ein Sof which is Malchus d'Adam Kadmon—seemingly contrary to order. For from above to below it is Adam Kadmon, and above that Ein Sof. In my opinion, the idea that it is Malchus d'Adam Kadmon is a parenthetical remark (and therefore not in the explanation of the discourse) and comes only as an additional clarification as to how the concept of growth applies to Malchus d'Ein Sof. It explains that this is Malchus d'Adam Kadmon—the will that encompasses all hishtalshelus—as explained elsewhere. See Eitz Chayim Shaar Gimel chapter 1: "And Atik which is Malchus d'Adam Kadmon," etc. Also see Atarah l'Admor HaEmtzai at its beginning, among others.

* Also according to the conclusion ^[4]—in our case where he is a Torah scholar with fear of sin, as concluded there ^[5]. And see Tosafos D.H. Kol Chagigah 15b ^[6].

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that the merit of tzaddikim protects their followers at all times—not only during active Torah study but even when not engaged—emphasizing the enduring spiritual connection between leader and community through Torah and mitzvah.