4921 —זהירות בתיאור גדולת מנהיגי תורה

B"H, 10th of Kislev, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding your concluding words praising your teacher and mentor... I am somewhat puzzled by what you write—that you explicitly say that if he had been among the students of the Baal Shem Tov he would have been as one of them, and if he had been among the Tannaim and Amoraim he would have been as one of them. I wonder if there is anyone in our generation who can testify as above or even anything similar, because to say about someone based on one's own opinion that if he had lived in those generations he would have been on the level of the Baal Shem Tov's students or on the level of the Amoraim and Tannaim, one must first know very precisely what level and quality the Baal Shem Tov's students were on, as well as the Amoraim and Tannaim. If only there were people in our generation who understood what this level is—then our generation would not be so orphaned.

This is especially so according to what is explained in Zohar and Tikunei Zohar, and "Eitanim" has the same letters as "Tannaim," and in Zohar III 242a; Shaar Ruach HaKodesh at its beginning; and elsewhere with a different explanation though it is essentially one point—as explained in Likkutei Torah by Rabbeinu HaZaken, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, Parshas Tazria beginning with "Kam Palgi B'Metivta D'Rekia," about the matter of Tannaim and Amoraim; also in Biurei HaZohar Parshas Vayishlach.

In our many sins it is clear that not every mind can bear this—to describe or say even about one's own teacher (whom by law one is especially obligated to honor) that if he had lived in those generations etc. And it is known that one should not exaggerate descriptions for those who are already in the World of Truth, nor do they desire this at all.

May it be G‑d's will that these days—and especially Yud-Tes Kislev, the yahrzeit of the Maggid (the successor to the Baal Shem Tov) and day of redemption and victory for Admor HaZaken (the Maggid's student and successor to both)—increase success in spreading their teachings until they reach even further outwards. May this hasten the end of our exile, when then will be revealed the inner reasons of Torah as our Sages interpret on Rashi's commentary to "He will kiss me with the kisses of His mouth," which we now only taste a mere edge through their Torah—the Baal Shem Tov, Maggid, Rabbeinu HaZaken, and their students.

With honor and blessing.

Summary

We must exercise great caution when describing or comparing Torah leaders to earlier generations; true understanding of their spiritual stature requires deep knowledge. Exaggerated praise does not serve those who have passed on nor aligns with their wishes.