Expanding the Impact of Chassidus Through Gatherings

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5425
Baruch Hashem, the 4th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Addressed to Rabbi Eliyahu Shakalovsky, Petach Tikvah. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes that after an interruption, he was pleased to receive his letter sent after Pesach. He adds that he was especially glad to read that he had participated in the gathering held in Kfar Chabad during Chol HaMoed Pesach, and that he experienced spiritual delight from that gathering.

The Rebbe blesses that the true purpose of such a gathering should be fulfilled. The purpose of every gathering and every farbrengen is that its inspiration should spread further and reach ever wider circles, bringing to others the wellsprings of Chassidus—its teachings, guidance, and customs.

This influence should be so deep and genuine that those who were inspired should themselves become able to inspire others. In the words of our sages, they should become tofeiach al menas lehatfiach—so filled and enriched that they can, in turn, enrich those with whom they come into contact.

The Rebbe adds that nothing stands in the way of true will and determination. With sincere desire and effort, the inspiration of the gathering can continue to grow and spread.

The Rebbe connects this message to the days of Sefirah, during which each passing day brings added light and preparation for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness on Shavuos. Every day of counting the Omer adds a new measure of spiritual light.

The Rebbe then explains the wording used in counting the Omer. We say, “Today is two days of the Omer,” rather than “Today is the second day.” This teaches that the first day has not disappeared. Its light remains, and the second day adds to it. Likewise, when we say three days, five days, or more, we mean that all the previous days remain with us, joined by the new light of the present day.

In this way, the light continually increases until we arrive at Shavuos and hear anew the Divine call of Anochi Hashem Elokecha—“I am Hashem your God.” Our sages describe that at Matan Torah the Divine voice was heard from every direction—from all four corners of the world, above and below.

The Rebbe concludes with a blessing for good news in all the above.

The message of the letter is uplifting and practical: inspiration must lead to further influence, each day adds lasting growth, and every step of spiritual progress brings us closer to hearing Hashem’s voice anew.