4126 —איזון לימוד תורה ועבודת ציבור לאברך

B"H, 21 Shevat, 5716. Brooklyn.

The Avrech Shlomo sheyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh, in which you write about the great impression made by the gathering and the speech of P.V.P., which stirred hearts toward fear of Heaven, Torah, and mitzvos—and fortunate is your lot for participating in organizing this event. From this it is also understood my opinion regarding the future—that you should continue in this work, even though, like any inner work, it requires investment of time, energy, and attention.

We have already been assured by our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya (the authority in the hidden dimension of Torah), and the Shulchan Aruch (the authority in the revealed dimension of Torah), that through tzedakah with others one's mind and heart become refined a thousandfold. But from this very wording—that one becomes refined but not necessarily a scholar or G‑d-fearing—it is understood that one must learn as well as engage in matters that arouse feelings of love and awe of G‑d; only then is one blessed with extraordinary success a thousand times over.

Therefore, you should arrange your studies in both Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus at proper times every day as befits an Avrech who is a yeshiva student. Only during free times outside yeshiva schedules—and a bit from yeshiva time—should you dedicate to the aforementioned communal work. I am confident that in this manner your father, the Rav shlita, will also fully agree.

It is understood that all the above is as a fixed order; however, in exceptional cases or as a temporary directive, it is necessary—and sometimes even required—to add from communal needs time at the expense of Torah study time, and sometimes vice versa—to take from study time for communal needs. Especially considering that these communal matters under discussion are often—especially in this period—matters of actual saving lives.

Certainly also here will be fulfilled what the Mishnah says: "One mitzvah brings another mitzvah," and not G‑d forbid the opposite.

Regarding your question about which individuals to invite to speak before the public etc.—it is understood that those present on site should decide this and take into account matters such as appearance, listening ear, etc. On the other hand, every possible effort should be made to utilize all available strengths. One should not set rigid rules even on site—and certainly not from afar—since circumstances change from time to time.

I was pleased to read in your letter that you are studying Chabad teachings regularly. Surely you know the saying of our master the Alter Rebbe: regularity must be both in time and soul—and this is primary. It is already known: "What is fixed does not become nullified." And since every day has its own task—and we bless for Torah each day anew with "Who gives the Torah" (present tense)—so too regularity in studying Chassidus must be daily.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above.

M. Schneersohn

In your questions in your letter from Yom HaBaher Yom Kippur:

a) Whether to believe with simple faith or through intellectual inquiry—both are necessary. Not only are they not contradictory; on the contrary—they complement each other. The beginning and foundation of service is simple faith; immediately one becomes obligated in mitzvah—the foundation of all foundations and pillar of wisdom—to know there exists a First Being etc. (Rambam at its beginning), and as Zohar says (II:25a): "This commandment precedes all commandments...to know Him..." If you did not toil but found—do not believe! One must toil intellectually to understand as much as possible—and human ability is limited—and what is beyond his ability he lives by his fundamental simple faith. See also mitzvah of belief in G‑d according to tzt"z; Kuntres Toras HaChassidus ch. 13 and elsewhere.

b) Study schedule—in Nigleh according to yeshiva arrangements where you learn (and it is absolutely necessary to study and know required halachos). In Chassidus—consult with Harav Rashach sheyichyeh Kesselman accordingly since it depends on each individual's abilities etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that balancing Torah study with communal work requires careful scheduling: daily learning remains central while communal responsibilities are fulfilled during free times or when urgent needs arise. Both simple faith and intellectual inquiry are essential foundations for spiritual growth.