Balancing Torah Study with Work and the Unique Role of a Descendant of the Rebbe's Family

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5422
Baruch Hashem, the second day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to a letter received before Pesach. The writer had expressed a desire to increase his fixed times for the study of Chassidus—the inner dimension of Torah, referred to as the luminary of Torah.

The Rebbe responds warmly that he is surely making efforts to fulfill this noble desire, to add in the study of Chassidus. The Rebbe explains that if this need applies to all Jews in our generation, how much more so does it apply to someone who comes from the family of the holy Rebbes and leaders. Since the writer was a descendant of the Rebbe’s family, his obligation in this area was even greater.

The Rebbe adds that the responsibility is not only personal study, but also the spreading of the wellsprings outward wherever one has the opportunity to reach others. Because of his unique background and heritage, his mission carries added responsibility and privilege.

The Rebbe continues with a fundamental principle: whenever a person is given an obligation, he is also given the strength to fulfill it. Since he has been entrusted with this role, he can be certain that Hashem has granted him the ability to succeed in both learning Chassidus and sharing it with others.

The writer had also asked the Rebbe where he should settle in the future, and whether he should become involved in agricultural work—farming or raising livestock. His concern was that such involvement might interfere with his Torah study.

The Rebbe answers clearly that this concern is not valid. Farmers and laborers are equally obligated in Torah study. Since Hashem requires every Jew to learn Torah, it follows that the means to do so are always possible. Hashem does not demand the impossible.

The Rebbe points out that this can be seen in practical life as well: many people are involved in farming and related work, yet they study Torah successfully. Therefore, involvement in physical labor is not a reason to withdraw from such a path.

The Rebbe adds another important point. In our times, it is especially necessary that there be Torah-observant Jews active in all fields of life, including agriculture and labor. This uproots the mistaken belief that those engaged in worldly occupations are somehow exempt from Torah and mitzvos.

More than words or speeches, a living example has the greatest influence. When others see a person who works productively while remaining devoted to Torah study and mitzvah observance, that itself becomes the strongest lesson and encouragement.

The Rebbe concludes that the merit of the many whom he will positively influence will stand by him and assist him in his mission. The message is clear: he should proceed with confidence, become involved in productive work, continue studying Torah faithfully, and recognize that he can succeed in both realms.

At times, when a person feels, “I cannot do it,” that very thought may come from the Yetzer Hara, seeking to weaken his resolve. One must not listen to such discouragement, but move forward with trust and determination.

The Rebbe blesses him with success in all the above.