4600 —העדר השתתפות בהתוועדות, השגחה פרטית, וצמיחה רוחנית

B"H, 5 Menachem Av, 5716. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter in which you write that unfortunately you were unable to participate in the farbrengen of the auspicious days of the 12th and 13th of Tammuz.

Every matter is by Divine Providence, as is known from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and Chassidus in general. There it is also explained at length how one can learn from every situation and use it for serving Hashem. In this case as well: generally, when someone else can prevent a Jew from participating in such a farbrengen—even if that person says he wants to prevent it—most often it stems from the fact that the one who wanted to participate was not strong enough or not pure enough; meaning that other matters were mixed in as well. This gives room for another to not only want to prevent participation but also succeed in doing so. This is the first point.

Regarding the second matter—it is similar to what is explained in many places in Chassidus: concealment over a holy desire should arouse an even stronger thirst for that holy matter, until the thirst becomes so intense that it affects even those who previously obstructed it so that they too recognize its importance and holiness. So too here: not being able to participate in the farbrengen—which aims to deepen love of Torah, love of Hashem, and love of Israel—should increase diligence and devotion in Torah study and meticulous mitzvah observance. The concealment's purpose is to awaken this yearning so that one immediately begins all these matters as mentioned; then ultimately even those factors which previously hindered will change their stance. The preparation for this is simply learning more Torah and fulfilling mitzvos more beautifully—and may Hashem grant you success.

You write about the possibility of studying at the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Newark; you should have asked the administration of Tomchei Temimim in Montreal to coordinate with the yeshiva administration here to determine if this is a suitable suggestion.

Surely you are careful to recite each day after davening the daily portion of Tehillim—as Tehillim is divided according to the days of the month.

Blessings,

In the name of the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that obstacles are opportunities for deeper spiritual growth. When prevented from participating in holy gatherings or activities, one should channel disappointment into greater dedication to Torah study and mitzvah observance—transforming setbacks into motivation.