4151 —תענית אינה הדרך לתשובה בדורנו

B"H, 7 Adar, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 5th of Adar, in this month when we increase in joy, in which you write about your awakening to Teshuvah and also mention that you want to undertake fasts—and you surely mean this literally—my opinion on this is as written by Rabbeinu HaZaken, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch: In our generation, when fasting leads to illness or weakness (G‑d forbid), this is not the way of Teshuvah. Rather, one should increase Torah study and prayer with a minyan as is fitting, especially saying Tehillim.

Regarding fasts: act according to the instruction of the Rebbe Maharash—fasting is an avodah; think every day for fifteen minutes "adaati d'nafshi" (about oneself) (see Sefer HaToldos Admor Maharash, Kehot Publication 5707 [1947], Brooklyn, p. 72). Of course, this contemplation should lead to an increase in Torah and mitzvos.

It goes without saying that what was said above regarding fasts does not refer to those fasts required by Shulchan Aruch—such as Taanis Esther—which regarding these one must consult a Rav who will rule according to one's health.

You should also give a few cents to tzedakah every weekday before davening and maintain the three daily study sessions established by the Previous Rebbe zatzal: Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. (a) Say each day after davening in the morning the daily portion of Tehillim as divided for the days of the month; (b) learn each day a section of Chumash with Rashi from that week's parsha (Sunday from beginning until Sheini; Monday from Sheini until Shlishi; etc.); (c) learn each day a portion of Tanya as divided for the days of the year.

May Hashem grant you success in all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that in our times Teshuvah is achieved not through fasting but by increasing Torah study, communal prayer, charity before davening, and consistent daily learning of Tehillim, Chumash with Rashi, and Tanya.