The Power of Words That Come from the Heart

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5429
Baruch Hashem, the 6th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Addressed to the distinguished scholar and man of many accomplishments, Menachem Porush, ירושלים. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes to thank him for conveying his regards to the chassidim and אנשי שלומנו in Jerusalem. It appears that Menachem Porush had recently visited the Rebbe, and the Rebbe expresses appreciation that he passed along those greetings to the community there.

The Rebbe then adds, by way of a graceful and meaningful insight, that it is a positive commandment of the Torah to cleave to the ways of Hashem—lidavkah bidrachav.

Our sages explain that this means a person should emulate the Divine attributes: just as Hashem is compassionate, so too one should be compassionate; just as Hashem is kind, so too one should act with kindness. A Jew fulfills this mitzvah by living in a way that reflects the ways of Hashem.

From this, the Rebbe draws an additional lesson. Just as Hashem’s speech is not empty speech, but speech that creates and brings reality into being, so too a person should strive that his own words should not remain mere words. Speech should accomplish, inspire, and bring about positive action.

The Rebbe explains that this depends greatly on the speaker himself. The very name Adam is related to the idea of resemblance and likeness, for man is meant to resemble and reflect the Divine.

How does one ensure that his words have real impact? The Rebbe answers: when words come from the heart, they enter the heart. If a person speaks sincerely, with genuine feeling and conviction, his words are received by those who hear them.

And when words truly enter the heart, they do not remain only as emotion or inspiration—they also influence conduct and bring practical change. Genuine speech has the power not only to be heard, but to transform.

The Rebbe’s message is that meaningful leadership and communication require more than eloquence. When a person speaks with inner truth and heartfelt sincerity, his words become creative and effective, reflecting the Divine model of speech itself.

The Rebbe concludes that he looks forward to receiving good news in all the above.