4358 —הסרת ספקות בלימוד בחברותא וקבלת הדרכה

B"H, 21 Iyar, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Erev Shabbat Kodesh and the pidyon nefesh, in which you write about the doubts that have arisen for you regarding your study schedule with your chavruta, etc.

It is already explained in many places the concept of accepting authority that a student must have toward his teacher, based on our Sages' words on the verse "Sefasav Shoshanim Notfos Mor Over" (his lips are like roses dripping flowing myrrh), and so too in your case: you should detail your issues along with your reasons and arguments before your mashpia and rosh yeshivah and Chassidus mentor. But afterwards, you must act precisely according to their instructions, and then you will succeed in being a proper recipient. This itself is also preparation and an introduction to eventually becoming a proper mashpia yourself. See also the well-known sichah on this topic printed in Toras Shalom p. 84.

Certainly you are keeping the three daily study portions established by my father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—as is customary.

Regarding your notification about your birthday (certainly you will observe birthday customs as Anash do nowadays), may it be G‑d's will that this be a year of success for you materially and spiritually—in Torah study and mitzvah observance with excellence.

Toras Shalom: In the new printings p. 75.
On birthday customs: See above Igros D'Shelet and what is referenced there in the notes.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that presenting one's reasoning to mentors is important, but true success comes from following their guidance fully. This approach not only brings personal growth but also prepares one to guide others in the future.