The Importance of Personal Connection in Sharing

Holy letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15, letter number 5,445. Boruch Hashem, the 13th of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn.

The Rebbe writes that he received the letter from Thursday together with the list of those who participated in the lottery.

The Rebbe then expresses surprise that he had not received confirmation that the recipient visited the holy city of ירושלים (Jerusalem) in order to convey his regards there after returning to ארץ ישראל (the Holy Land).

The Rebbe explains that even if others may have already conveyed regards, this does not replace what this particular individual could contribute. Every person receives, understands, and communicates in a unique manner. There are those who would learn specifically from him, and what he would share from his visit and experience could not be duplicated by someone else.

Especially in giving over greetings and impressions, each person transmits according to what he personally absorbed. Since different people have different perspectives, what one individual can communicate is distinct from what another can provide. Therefore, one cannot excuse himself by saying that someone else already did it.

The Rebbe adds that even if others fulfilled the matter completely, something is still missing for the person who himself was meant to give over those regards. By not sharing what he received, he loses an opportunity for his own growth.

The Rebbe supports this idea by referring to our holy Rebbes. He cites the Rebbe Rashab, who before delivering a discourse in Chassidus would pray that what he was about to say should affect not only the listeners but himself as well. This teaches that when a person teaches or shares with others, he too becomes elevated and transformed through the act of giving.

The Rebbe continues that those living in the Holy Land should not require special encouragement to make full use of the upcoming Lag BaOmer. Nevertheless, he mentions it as an added strengthening, expressing hope that the recipient was already planning to do much for Lag BaOmer, and that these words should merely serve as additional encouragement.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news and for good health.

The lesson of the letter is that inspiration is not meant to remain private. When a person receives something meaningful, he must pass it on to others. In doing so, he not only benefits those around him, but deepens and strengthens the inspiration within himself as well.

Summary – The Rebbe teaches that every person has a unique voice and unique influence. What one receives should be shared, because giving to others completes the experience and brings growth both to the speaker and to those who listen.