5336 —עידוד לנוכח אתגרים וכוח ההשפעה החיובית

B"H, the 5th of Nissan, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long pause, your letter was received, which you began writing on the 8th of Adar Sheni along with its attachment. Regarding what you wrote that the content of my letter is beyond you and all who saw it, and that they have no knowledge... Just as the Torah is particular to use refined language in narratives—writing "not pure" for the sake of clean speech—so too in mitzvos regarding judgments it writes "impure." Similarly, just as there is a great obligation to judge every person favorably (in the words of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe: every person literally, even to the lowest level), so too there is an obligation to rebuke another when it practically matters and there is hope that by protesting something will be corrected. And since I have not yet completely lost hope that this matter can be rectified, I wrote to some from Anash and also included you among them; perhaps this will help...

Regarding what you wrote at the end of your letter about visits to various places and that you saw there terrible conduct—certainly this could have been anticipated in advance. Therefore, you were surely prepared to use the visit for some correction in these matters. As I wrote in my previous letter—even a small rescue is still a rescue, especially in education and practical mitzvah observance. One must not despair—even if one fears or thinks (with good reason) that any improvement will not last long. Especially considering the wonderful words of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe (Tanya ch. 25): this unique union above is eternal forever—even regarding fulfillment of one mitzvah (whether Torah or Rabbinic) even once; all the more so if it happens several times over a period and through many people. Certainly for someone like yourself further elaboration is unnecessary.

In connection with this—and continuing from it—as a protest against what you wrote about being broken and crushed by seeing what has been achieved... In line with the saying of my father-in-law the Rebbe: "Our zibburit (inferior land) is better than their idit (superior land)." I am confident that one cannot estimate what has been accomplished—in both 'do good' and even more so in 'turn from evil'—by your entering specifically into Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim. My strong hope is that here too further elaboration for someone like yourself is unnecessary.

As we approach Zman Cheiruteinu (the season of our freedom), as with all matters—these days are remembered and reenacted; as explained by the Arizal—and freedom began in Tishrei when labor ceased for our ancestors, with an even closer beginning from Rosh Chodesh Nissan: "This month shall be for you," specifically as our Sages expound. May it be G‑d's will that in all these matters there should be true freedom from anything that confuses fulfilling each Jew's mission: "I was created to serve my Creator," as explained in Chassidus—that this means making a dwelling place for Him below where one's very essence resides. It is known that essence draws down only through Chassidus—its teachings and customs—which should extend below ten handbreadths until they penetrate daily life so results are immediately seen in strengthening and spreading all Chabad matters everywhere, especially in Eretz HaKodesh as understood and obvious. And soon may we merit through spreading these wellsprings to "the master will come—the King Moshiach."

With blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday—the one awaiting good news,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us not to despair amid challenges but to focus on positive influence—even small acts matter greatly. Judging others favorably, using uplifting language, and persistent outreach bring lasting spiritual impact far beyond what we can measure.