5009 —מאמצים שאינם במקומם והצורך במיקוד נכון

B"H, 6 Teves, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z Mohe Tzvi Harkavi

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest break, I received the newspaper clippings from the monthly Im-VeSefer and HaTzofeh from 30 Kislev. It is surprising that throughout this time there has been no information from you regarding the ships. I received an answer from someone: the reason for silence in such matters and this approach is that now is not the time to discuss these topics due to recent events, etc.! I told him this is like a sick person telling a doctor that since he is weak and his health is poor, he does not have time to take medicine and will continue his previous conduct—even though it endangers his illness—and when he recovers, he will consider the suggested remedies. The analogy is clear.

It is understood that the main criticism is not directed at him, but it is astonishing that those whose main role is to provide guidance on such matters are instead using their position and energy on things belonging to others. The consequences are obvious and visible in the areas they are responsible for.

I have already stated elsewhere that every Jewish person is inherently dedicated to fulfilling Torah and mitzvos energetically and practically. However, the yetzer hara—being clever—devises a scheme to direct one’s energy and activity toward matters completely unrelated to oneself. In this way, it gains doubly: (a) The person does not feel any lack—since all his energy is being used; (b) The main matter remains entirely lacking because others are not responsible for it, while those whose essential task it is are busy with other work.

As Rambam says, spiritual illness resembles physical illness. An example: if the brain and heart began dealing with digesting food or separating waste from nourishment—in the body, such results are immediately apparent as a grave danger to life itself; additionally, digestion does not occur properly. But regarding the soul, since there must be room for free choice, extra time is given—even extended further—and deadlines are postponed again and again.

In our times—the era of Ikvesa d'Meshicha—when many are being refined and purified, all of this becomes clearly evident without need for deep explanation or contemplation. And He who said "enough" to His world will say "enough" to this reversal of order (as in "in the Beis HaMikdash a singer wants to be an estimator and vice versa" [Arachin 11b]), which has descended lower and lower until our current situation. May He bring us the righteous redeemer whose era will be entirely meritorious—with no confusion.

Certainly you and your entire family are well and at peace. I hope you have already begun participating in Anash gatherings—and especially on Yud Tes Kislev just passed.

Blessings for good news regarding all of the above.

I received Sefer Chiddushei HaRashash on Rambam—many thanks! It seems if it had been printed in block letters more people would use it in our orphaned generation. Enclosed is an addition for Hagadah Shel Pesach.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that misdirected effort leads to neglect of true responsibilities—just as a body suffers when its organs perform each other's tasks. We must focus our energy where it truly belongs for both personal growth and communal benefit.