4960 —התגברות על הסחות דעת בלימוד תורה ובתפלה

B"H, 21 Kislev, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Monday, in which you write about the matters that trouble you and prevent you from studying Torah as you should, as well as disturbances during prayer.

It is appropriate that your tefillin be checked. Also, every weekday before morning prayers, set aside a small coin for charity. After prayer—even on Shabbos and festivals—recite the daily portion of Tehillim as it is divided for the days of the month.

Contemplate and review until you remember well the content explained in many places about the concept of Divine Providence—that it is literal: the Creator of the world and its Guide watches over each individual personally in all their matters. From this it is understood that there is no need to worry about the issues you wrote about; certainly there is no place for a request (as you wrote) for a strong desire for the opposite of life, G‑d forbid.

Reflect on the fact that every Jewish soul is hewn from beneath the Throne of Glory and has descended below to be clothed in a physical body (which is a tremendous descent since there is no comparison between the soul above and the body below). All this is worthwhile for the actions of a Jew on earth—namely, Torah study and mitzvah observance. From this it follows that every action (for example—tefillin) is an exalted matter beyond comprehension; so too with all matters of Torah and mitzvos (for all Torah is compared to tefillin).

Meditation on these matters will help you recognize your true situation: that a beautiful portion has been given to you to fulfill your mission from Hashem in this world by living according to our Torah's guidance—a Torah of life—and to serve with joy in these matters. See Rambam at the end of Hilchos Lulav, and also Rambam Hilchos Deos at the beginning of chapter two at its end.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that reflecting on Divine Providence and one's unique mission brings clarity and joy in serving Hashem through Torah study and mitzvos, helping overcome distractions during learning and prayer.