5342 —הדרכה להמשך הפעולות להפצת יהדות ולצמיחה חסידית של אברך

B"H, 6th of Nissan, 5717.

Brooklyn.

The Avrech iy"a nu"n etc. Shlomo Shtentzel

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Rosh Chodesh Nissan and the previous one, in which you write about your activities organizing public talks to inspire others, I am interested to know the main points of these talks. There are many types and ways of inspiration, and it is understood that in our times especially, drawing people close and speaking pleasantly is more effective than the opposite—certainly even more so than in the days of the Baal Shem Tov and his students, when there was already a significant difference that has only grown over time.

Regarding what you wrote about publishing a bulletin on faith and awakening concerning observance of Torah and mitzvos: certainly this bulletin should not enter into matters of debate or similar topics. Every debate requires presenting the opposing view, and not always are its refutations absorbed. Most importantly, in our generation there are many who do not know anything about these issues—not even the arguments of the opposition—so one must be careful not to publicize heretical opinions.

Regarding your note about the list of imprisonment: it would be proper for you to speak with Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in your area and with members of the journal's editorial board.

I hope—even though you do not explicitly write—that you are advancing in holiness regarding your fixed study times in Chassidus. Despite the greatness of all the above matters—as I have written at length elsewhere—after the prophet marvels at great deeds like "Distribute your bread to the hungry," etc., which also means (as explained by Tanna D'vei Eliyahu Rabbah) giving Torah and mitzvos to those hungry or lacking them—in all this, "do not ignore your own flesh." May it be G‑d's will that you share good news regarding all this.

With blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday.

In your question about the contradiction between working on oneself versus working with others—tzt"z—I believe I have already written to you similarly: both are necessary, so it is understood that there is no inherent contradiction between them. The division of time between them varies according to each person and place, and even for one person from time to time. For this one should consult with those present locally whose hearts are close to every Jew's distress. As is known from halachah: an extremely elderly person is not appointed to Sanhedrin, etc.

Summary

The Rebbe guides an Avrech on effective outreach through warmth rather than confrontation, cautions against spreading heretical ideas even in refutation, encourages personal growth in Chassidus alongside communal work, and advises seeking local counsel for balancing both areas.