4912 —חיזוק פעולות חב"ד עם בטחון

B"H, 8th of Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yehoshua Shneor Zalman Sobranski

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from before Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the month of miracles and redemption, you have surely received my previous letter by now, which also contains answers to some of your questions in this letter.

Regarding what you wrote about the matter of hakafos, you have certainly already received the answer on such matters given to Haraha"ch Yaakov Eliezer Herzog and have seen it. It is clear that the thought that in the future they will not make Kiddush or will shorten the hakafos, G‑d forbid, is absolutely unfounded.

Regarding what you wrote about difficulties, concealments, and obstacles: you have surely heard about the hint in the verse (Bamidbar 13:33) "VeNihi BeEineinu KaChagavim (And we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers), and so we were in their eyes." If those who fear Hashem in general—and chassidim in particular—recognized the powers given to them, they would approach every matter with far greater courage than now. As a result, many concealments and obstacles would automatically be nullified. This is similar to what is stated at the end of chapter 29 in Tanya: "Therefore immediately when Hashem was angry with them..." From this everyone can learn; and this idea applies literally to every person among us.

Regarding what you wrote about a minyan for youth and matters like summer camp—about which some doubt their benefit for various reasons—the test for such things is well known: one must consider whether these activities lead to increased action in matters of holiness or prevent action. As brought in Hayom Yom (23 Sivan): anything that helps or leads to practical service—any obstacle to it, even if it comes from something very lofty—is only a trick of the animal soul. There is no doubt that summer camp and youth minyanim are among the special ways to reach youth and young people—and through them also their parents' and families' hearts. Fortunate are those involved in such matters! Especially since I do not understand at all the arguments you write about. I have already written to Vavac"h iy"a etc. Moharshabtz Altahoyz that unfortunately among Anash who were physically distant for several years from my father-in-law the Rebbe, his oral words did not reach them—and even his written words regarding the value of work (conquering youth and young people and the great value of girls' education and outreach among women). Even what did reach them was not properly absorbed because they were unaccustomed to such things due to an interruption; as explained at the beginning of Parshas Shemini in Likkutei Torah—'not touched.' Therefore they relate without proper attention to these matters. When something falls from its proper level in such things, something else rises; thus there are concealments, obstacles, and even opposition from others.

It is understood that you may show this letter to all those whom it concerns. May it be G‑d's will that these auspicious days of Kislev—especially Yud Kislev and Yud-Tes Kislev—inspire within them their hidden powers up to their essential core powers so they bring them into revelation until they act practically. Even essential powers are connected with these days—as explained in the holy letter of my grandfather (the Rebbe Rashab)—the essence and its extension. Surely you have already prepared a plan how to utilize these days for expanding all Chabad activities in your surroundings as much as possible. May Hashem grant you success.

With blessings for Chag HaGeulah and regards to all Anash.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that confidence in one's G‑d-given abilities dispels doubts and obstacles when working for Chabad causes. He urges using special times like Kislev for renewed outreach efforts—especially among youth—and stresses that practical action overcomes hesitation or opposition.