4951 —צדקה כאשר אין עניים נוכחים והיבטים רוחניים של עליה לרגל

B"H, 17 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Chaim Gastfreund

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Monday, in which you ask: since there are no poor people in your area, but on the other hand you wish to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah— a) In general, in such a case, one gives tzedakah and sets it aside in a separate place, and later sends it off to a trustworthy gabbai tzedakah so that he can distribute it there (if in the meantime you do not encounter any poor people locally).

b) Since nowadays we cannot fulfill the mitzvah of ascending to Jerusalem for the festivals (aliyah l'regel), you ask what can be done instead. There are several books that discuss the spiritual aspect of each mitzvah, for in spirituality there was never any exile. The mitzvot connected with the Beis HaMikdash, like offering sacrifices—which physically cannot be fulfilled now—are spiritually fulfilled through prayer, as "Avodah zu tefillah" (this service is prayer), which was instituted corresponding to the sacrifices. Similarly, the mitzvah of aliyah l'regel involved ascending to see and bow before G‑d—being permeated with holiness, bowing and self-nullification to Elokus (G‑dliness). The spiritual aspect of this can still be fulfilled today through contemplation on the greatness of the Creator until one reaches self-nullification, as explained in Likkutei Torah Parshas Berachah 98b. In general, the roots of the mitzvos and their spiritual explanations can be found in Sefer HaMitzvos by tzt"z according to Chassidus and in Sefer HaChinuch in a moralistic approach...

With blessing.

P.S. Enclosed is one of the publications connected with Yud Tes Kislev which we will celebrate at week's end; surely you will read it with proper attention and take from it a moral lesson—and introduce it as well to your friends and good acquaintances.

Regarding your question about a visit: when you will be in Brooklyn, it is always better to write to Mazkirus (the secretariat) so arrangements can be made regarding day and time.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that even when direct fulfillment is impossible—whether giving tzedakah or pilgrimage—one can still perform these mitzvot spiritually or by preparing for their fulfillment. Sharing inspiration with others multiplies its impact.