4235 —על מינוי לדיין והאחריות הקדושה הכרוכה בכך

B"H, 18th of Nissan, 5716. Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Meir HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter in which you inform me that, with the help of Hashem, you have been appointed as a Dayan. May it be the will of the Blessed One that you fulfill this sacred position to the best of your ability and with all your strength. As is well known from our Sages, there is great responsibility in this role along with its merit. The main point relevant here is understood from our Sages' teaching: Why is the law according to Beis Hillel? Because they were pleasant and humble (Eruvin 13b). The foundation of this level is understood from another saying: In such cases, the law follows him because 'the L‑rd is with him' (Sanhedrin 93b; see also Sotah 5a).

On a deeper level, the difference between these approaches relates to "Elu v'Elu Divrei Elokim Chayim" (both are words of the living G‑d), and as stated in Eruvin: Elokim has the same numerical value as "nature," meaning G‑dliness as it is clothed within natural ways, as explained in Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah by Rabbeinu HaZaken chapter 6. In contrast, Havayah refers to G‑dliness as it is revealed—meaning one's service is in a manner of "Shivisi Hashem l'negdi tamid" (I place Hashem before me always), which is the beginning and foundation of all four sections of Shulchan Aruch; thus Tur and Rema begin with this principle. This should be understood well.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above.

Due to the sanctity of the festival, the Rebbe shlita did not sign personally; I am signing on his behalf.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that serving as a Dayan requires humility and constant awareness of G‑d's presence. True judgment combines responsibility with merit when approached through both natural means and revealed G‑dliness.