On the Importance of Publishing Accurate Histories of Our Leaders

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5427
Baruch Hashem, the 4th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Addressed to the chossid and communal activist, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Bromberg, ירושלים. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes in response to his letter regarding the two books he had published and sent. The Rebbe notes that he has received them and thanks him for his thoughtfulness in sending them. He adds that he trusts he will continue this good practice in the future as well.

As requested, the Rebbe mentions that he had asked Kehos to send the second volume of the memoirs of his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe. However, since that volume had not yet been published, it could not yet be sent, though other material would be provided instead.

The Rebbe also asks about the young man Menachem HaLevi Hillelvich, noting that he is doing well and expressing confidence that he himself will write directly.

The Rebbe then takes the opportunity to express special appreciation and a heartfelt yasher koach for the publication of biographies of the leaders of Chassidus. He explains that such works are especially vital in a time of confusion, when many false voices distort truth and blur the identity of authentic spiritual leadership.

It is therefore essential, the Rebbe writes, to remind people again and again who the true great ones of Israel are—those by whose light the Jewish people have always lived and endured despite every obstacle and challenge.

The Rebbe connects this to the Talmud’s descriptions of the difficult period preceding the coming of Moshiach. The sages foretold increasing darkness and confusion not in order to create despair, but for two purposes: first, so that when such times arrive, Jews will not lose heart, knowing these events were foreseen; and second, so that we understand the proper response is to increase holiness, goodness, and spiritual strength.

For this reason, one cannot be satisfied with remaining at yesterday’s level. If the challenges of the world grow stronger, the response must be to grow stronger as well.

The Rebbe explains that this also sheds light on why each generation reveals new insights in Torah. Although all Torah was given at Sinai, new dimensions are uncovered in later generations because each era requires fresh spiritual strength to meet its unique challenges.

This, the Rebbe says, also answers those who question why the teachings of Chassidus were revealed more fully in later generations. The answer is that Hashem prepares the remedy before the illness. As the need increased, deeper teachings were revealed to provide the necessary light and guidance.

Applying this to the writer’s work, the Rebbe says that publishing authentic biographies serves a double purpose: it spreads truth and inspiration, and it also protects people from false and distorted accounts of Jewish history. When genuine material is available, people are less likely to turn to misleading sources.

The Rebbe further advises that even secondary details should be included in such books, since readers are drawn to them. This includes photographs, copies of handwriting, and organized dates or timelines. Such additions strengthen credibility, make the material more accessible, and help readers connect more deeply with the subject.

In a footnote, the Rebbe adds a personal hope that while he is involved in spreading these teachings to others, he should also maintain fixed times for his own study of Chassidus, not neglecting his own spiritual growth.

The Rebbe then comments on a citation in the book regarding the “Good Jew of Gostynin,” noting that in an early Chabad manuscript written during the lifetime of the Alter Rebbe, the same teaching is attributed to the Baal Shem Tov.

He also offers a correction to the interpretation of the verse Mi yimalel gevurot Hashem. The Rebbe explains that the word yimalel should be understood from a root meaning to break apart or reveal layers, rather than from the root associated with milah. He notes that while Torah contains many facets of interpretation, this understanding appears more accurate based on sources in the Zohar and Chassidus.

The Rebbe’s letter is both encouragement and guidance: preserve truth, strengthen authentic leadership, answer darkness with added light, and ensure that those who teach others continue to nourish their own souls as well.