4703 —הבהרת ציון אודות הצ"צ והגר"א

B"H, 9 Elul, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Machatunim Haraha"ch zach haraayon anaf etz avot Avraham Yehuda shiy".

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long interval, I received your letter from Erev Chodesh HaRachamim, and as you requested, I will mention all those you wrote about at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. I was pleased to read that you gave him a portion in the matter... shiy". May it be G‑d's will that there be fruits and fruits of fruits from this, and most importantly, that these matters not remain in the realm of speech but come into actual deed and action. In your efforts, emphasize that action is primary. Additionally, from us comes an approach contrary to human logic and both opinions (Shabbat 88a end), the view of the Tzeduki and Rava's explanation that only by saying "Na'aseh" before "Nishma" are we saved from distortion of intellect—even though unfortunately in recent months it seems the battle against religion has intensified: like the digging at Beit She'arim, issues with Shabbat, Reform matters, etc., and it is difficult to elaborate on such distressing things to the point of alarm.

Among the books I recently received was also "Toldot HaGra," and I was surprised to find there a citation in your name regarding what is written in Piskei Dinim of tzt"z at its end concerning the Gra. If I had found this in someone else's name it would not have surprised me so much; but knowing how much you value stories connected with our holy leaders zatzal that you heard in your father's house a.h., it is very strange to me how you accepted something completely opposite to tzt"z's attitude toward Torah matters—where his heart was like a lion. See at the end of Piskei Dinim of tzt"z regarding what is written about Admor HaZaken's ruling. And although who am I etc., nevertheless Torah is Torah etc., even though certainly your words were holy regarding tzt"z—how could this be possible for what you wrote there about what you cited? It is like what is told about one of the greats: when told something in Rambam's name he said it cannot be found anywhere; moreover, not because of his expertise did he absolutely reject it but because since it contradicts logic it's impossible Rambam would write such things.

And this is exactly what happened: I heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe—Piskei Dinim was printed in Vilna where at that time opponents had strong influence, especially since it was between leaders in Lubavitch. The young typesetter added those words you cited; as soon as it came out from print and they discovered this addition, in most copies they managed to correct it and only a few remained with it—as proven by most copies from that edition itself. Especially in recent months when some opponents—remnants from that era—have again become jealous over spreading Chassidus and use alarming means to hinder (even expelling students from yeshiva for learning Tanya etc.—as has become common in recent years without anyone paying attention), this error is distressing even though who can understand errors.

I have on hand a handwritten copy (from a scribe; my own handwriting remains overseas) of that section of Piskei Dinim mentioned above. Of course those two lines are not there.

Blessings for good news and for being inscribed and sealed for good—and for your household itself with outstanding light above all else.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies an error regarding a citation about tzt"z's view on the Vilna Gaon, tracing its source to a printing addition later corrected. He stresses prioritizing action over words and encourages steadfastness despite challenges facing Torah observance.