Seeking Livelihood Within Chabad Work

The holy letters of the Rebbe in Volume 15, letter number 5,439. Baruch Hashem, the 9th of Iyar, 5716, Brooklyn. Shalom u’vracha.

The Rebbe writes that he is responding to the letter dated the 4th of Iyar. The Rebbe says that at an auspicious time he will mention the writer, his wife, may she live, and all those he mentioned regarding them at the holy Tziyon of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, each and every one for what they need, in accordance with what was written in the letter.

The writer had asked the Rebbe what he should do in deciding how to establish his livelihood. The Rebbe answers that he had already said previously that one must make greater and greater efforts that it should specifically be in matters connected with Chabad, for many reasons.

The Rebbe adds that with proper effort, and with the assistance of the Chassidim who will certainly also do their part to help, in the end this will come to pass. The Rebbe wanted him to remain within the Chabad sphere, to seek employment and livelihood within Chabad matters, and trusted that others would help bring this about.

The Rebbe continues that even though at times, in the beginning of trying to become established, there are difficulties, one should not allow this to affect him. Sometimes the beginning of the path contains challenges, but one should not give up because of early hardship.

The Rebbe cites the well-known teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, which had often been repeated by his father-in-law, the Rebbe, on the verse that says the beginning may be very small, but the end will greatly flourish. The Baal Shem Tov explained that when the beginning is small, constricted, and difficult, that itself brings about the great success at the end.

Therefore, one should not become disheartened when there are obstacles and struggles in the beginning. Those very struggles can become the source of the blessings and expansion that come later in a magnificent way.

The Rebbe also writes that surely even now the writer should participate in the activities of spreading the wellsprings outward, especially among the people from the country from which he came. The Rebbe specifically encourages him to reach out to people of his own background and bring them closer through the teachings of Chassidus as well.

Thus, regarding where to settle and how to establish himself, the Rebbe again emphasizes that for many reasons it should be within the Chabad framework. The Rebbe expresses confidence that this can be achieved and that others will help him.

The lesson is clear: sometimes the road begins with hardship, but those early difficulties are not meaningless obstacles. They are often the preparation and springboard for extraordinary success later on. One must remain focused, steadfast, and confident that the small and difficult beginning can lead to tremendous growth in the future.

Summary – The Rebbe teaches that early hardship should never be mistaken for failure. When a person stays committed to the right mission and perseveres through the difficult beginning, those very struggles can become the source of future greatness.