The Urgency of Spreading Chassidus and Rejecting Indifference

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5423
Baruch Hashem, the second day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to his letter from Erev Shabbos Kodesh and thanks him for the good news that his daughter’s health has improved. The Rebbe blesses that this should be a good beginning, leading to continued good news in this matter and in all other areas of life as well.

The Rebbe cites the teaching of our sages that when a person sees that Hashem has shown him kindness, it is a sign that the kindness will continue. Since improvement has already been seen, the Rebbe expresses hope that this positive development should grow stronger and continue steadily.

The Rebbe then turns to another matter. It appears that the writer had been working hard to encourage others to set aside time for the study of Chassidus, but was facing resistance and discouragement. Some had argued that it is sufficient if only a select number of people engage in such study, suggesting that only a limited group is needed.

The Rebbe responds sharply that such an outlook stands in direct opposition to the foundations of our Torah, which is a Torah of kindness and embraces every Jew. One cannot claim that spiritual growth and the study of the inner dimension of Torah are meant only for a privileged few.

The Rebbe explains that especially in our generation, when we await the future redemption, we must remember the lessons of the redemption from Egypt. Our sages teach that had even one Jew been missing at the time of the giving of the Torah, the Divine Presence would not have rested upon the people. The revelation at Sinai required every Jew, without exception.

This teaches that every single Jew is essential. It makes no difference whether one is great like Moshe Rabbeinu or from the humblest tribe. Each Jew is indispensable, and without even one, the complete revelation cannot take place.

Therefore, the Rebbe says, it is cruel and mistaken to divide the Jewish people into an elite group and everyone else, as though only certain individuals matter. Such an attitude must be rejected entirely.

Still, the Rebbe does not respond with anger toward those opposing the work. Instead, he blesses that with compassion from Above they should do teshuvah while there is still time, turning away from words and attitudes that separate Jews from their Father in Heaven.

The Rebbe adds that he does not wish to elaborate further on something so painful and shocking. He expresses surprise that the writer is even engaging in debate with such people, and advises him not to become involved in arguments with them.

Rather, the Rebbe says, their opposition should not weaken him in the slightest. On the contrary, it should strengthen his resolve to increase even more in spreading Chassidus and the wellsprings of the living words of Hashem.

The Rebbe then cites the teachings of the Arizal and Rabbi Chaim Vital that withholding the study of the inner dimension of Torah delays the redemption and prolongs the exile of the Shechinah and of the Jewish people.

The Rebbe concludes that, as requested, he will mention all those about whom he wrote at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, and blesses him with good news in all the above.

The message of the letter is powerful and clear: every Jew matters, the teachings of Chassidus belong to all, and opposition should never weaken one’s mission—but instead inspire even greater strength and dedication.