4324 —הוספה בלימוד תניא, התוועדויות קהילתיות, ומעמד המשיח

B"H, 13 Iyar, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After your long silence, your letter from the 19th day of the Omer was received (as this is the version of our master the Alter Rebbe in his holy Siddur; this topic is well known and discussed—see also Iggeres HaKodesh at the end of section 13). As you requested, you and your wife will be mentioned for all your needs at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal.

You mention in your letter that you study from the holy Sefer Tanya and also a bit from Likkutei Torah as you were instructed in 5672. It is understood that since quite a few years have passed since then, this is not sufficient at all, since our Torah commands us to always increase in holiness (and some say this is a Torah obligation; even if it is only rabbinic—as seems to be the opinion of our master the Alter Rebbe in his Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim at the end of section 34—rabbinic decrees are strict and binding). Surely from now on you will add to what was mentioned above, and you can trust that Hashem will fulfill His promise: whoever increases is given more.

Surely you participate in Anash gatherings; sharing a drink brings Jews closer together and unites them, drawing down Hashem's blessings abundantly. As it is written: "Bless us our Father all as one with the light of Your face." See Tanya chapter 32 and Sefer HaMitzvos by tzt"z on the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael and more.

Blessings,

M. Schneersohn

Regarding your question on what is written in Sefer HaMitzvos by tzt"z on the mitzvah of counting the Omer chapter 2—that Moshiach will be greater than Moshe—yet Rambam (Teshuvah chapter 9) writes that Moshiach will be a prophet close to Moshe Rabbeinu: What is written in Sefer HaMitzvos is explicit in Midrash Tanchuma Toledos: "and he will surpass Moshe" (so it should read; see also Yalkut Shimoni Yeshayahu). As for what Rambam writes, it can be explained that he refers only to prophecy itself, as it says "no prophet arose like Moshe." See also Rambam Yesodei HaTorah chapter 7. Also see Likkutei Torah by Arizal on "Ad Ki Yavo Shiloh," Menachos 29b; Likkutei Torah by our master the Alter Rebbe at the end of Shir HaShirim. This is not the place for further discussion.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one must always increase in Torah study and spiritual growth. Participation in communal gatherings strengthens unity and draws down abundant blessings. The letter also clarifies sources about Moshiach’s greatness relative to Moshe Rabbeinu.