4524 —בחירת דרך חיים ובטחון בלימוד תורה

B"H, 10 Tammuz, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter from Erev Shabbat with astonishment. After describing the story of your life, you simply conclude that the only way for you to find your place in life is by learning... English and then... chemistry, etc., and only then can you have complete trust in Hashem for your future, etc. From this one can see how the yetzer hara can fool a person—knowing that in this entire circle, there is not even one person who has gone down this path. What makes you imagine this is possible, and even decide firmly—that all other paths are not for you, and that this new way guarantees you a good livelihood? And you add: also spiritually! True, you also write that if there will be... a special miracle, you could also find your place another way.

It is self-evident that what you write about the bachur... sh"y who came from a completely different background is no proof for your words. Despite the fact that he learns several hours of secular studies—if only you were as absorbed in it—not more than him. And if only you were as absorbed in the study of Chassidus—not less than him—and always moving more to the right—as he does year after year—always more to the right.

Regarding practical action: For you as for all Jews it is written: 'Lo yagata u'matzata al ta'amin' (If one did not toil but found success, do not believe it). And for you as for all Jews it is written: 'Ein adam yodea bameh mishtaker' (A person does not know by what he will earn), as explained in Igeres HaKodesh section 22. All these calculations turn out afterwards to be empty.

Especially since you want to go on a path that no one from this circle has ever trodden, and you cannot even estimate the challenges connected with it and the great difficulties regarding material livelihood on this path for bachurim like yourself and similar cases.

And what you write—that you have no enjoyment in this matter or in another matter etc.—this is like someone who says he enjoys fasting and despises delicious foods; stubborn desire against logic can also bring someone to this over time.

I do not know who put into your head this strange and distressing idea when you do not see what is really going on here.

If my opinion and advice are heard: You should abandon all thoughts about ultimate goals and sit down to learn diligently and persistently—and only Torah studies: Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus—for at least another three or four years. I am certain—if you do so—you will have an established life: livelihood materially and spiritually.

And obviously one should not fool oneself or imagine that everyone around wants only to harm or does not think of your good, etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true success comes from dedication to Torah study rather than pursuing untested secular paths. Trusting in Hashem while immersing oneself in Nigleh and Chassidus brings both material and spiritual fulfillment.