4094 —ביאור תניא פרק ז' ואריכות התפלה

B"H, 6 Shevat, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g veHaraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yitzchak Dubov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbat with the enclosed pan (petitionary note), which will be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. May it be G‑d's will that your efforts in all matters you wrote about be successful and that you share good news regarding them.

Regarding your question in Tanya chapter 7 about the elevation of sparks, where it is written that "they do not ascend from there until their day comes," and you find it difficult since Gehinnom purifies and refines: The matter is simple—Gehinnom purifies a person's soul from negative things that envelop it and from stains, but it does not elevate these matters themselves. This is also evident from the fact that subjugation by foreign nations is considered the opposite of Gehinnom; as stated in Midrash, through this subjugation a person's deeds become good, but this does not mean that matters from the three completely impure kelipot are transformed or elevated.

Concerning what you wrote about lengthening prayer: G‑d forbid—there is absolutely no criticism here. May your prayers for yourself and those you influence be accepted, especially through extended prayer. It is well known that my father-in-law, the Rebbe, told a story that Reb Yisrael Salanter asked my grandfather, the Rebbe Maharash: Why do chassidim prolong their prayers so much? He answered: There is a well-known debate whether prayer accomplishes half or all; therefore they prolong so even half will suffice.

Certainly you will gather on the yahrzeit in an appropriate manner, and may it be with success.

Blessings,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies mystical concepts in Tanya about spiritual elevation and reassures that lengthy prayer is valued. He encourages heartfelt davening and gathering on auspicious days for spiritual growth and success.