5457 —הדרכה על עבודה אישית והפצת חסידות

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15 — Letter #5457
B”H, 18 Iyar, 5717 (May 17, 1957)
Brooklyn, New York

Shalom U’Vracha,

After a lengthy interruption, the Rebbe writes that it was a pleasure to receive the recipient’s letter dated the 9th of Iyar, in which he reported about his personal spiritual activities as well as his work on behalf of others.

The Rebbe emphasizes that one must never become satisfied with past accomplishments. The Torah teaches “maalin bakodesh” — one must constantly rise and increase in matters of holiness. This obligation is especially pressing in the present generation and period of history, when the spiritual challenges and negativity of the world continue to intensify. The Rebbe references the teaching of the Gemara that each passing day brings greater spiritual decline than the previous one. Therefore, the only response is to strengthen and increase holiness even more.

The recipient had written to the Rebbe regarding his practice of fasting half-days as part of his spiritual conduct. The Rebbe responds with strong surprise, noting that such behavior is not consistent with the guidance of the Alter Rebbe in Iggeres HaTeshuvah.

The Rebbe explains that practical experience clearly demonstrates that fasting weakens a person’s ability to properly concentrate and delve deeply into Torah study — both in Nigleh and especially in the study of Chassidus. Furthermore, in this particular case, the Rebbe notes that such fasting runs contrary to the directives of Shulchan Aruch itself, since it negatively impacts the person’s health and ability to learn properly.

At the same time, the Rebbe clarifies that a person certainly must exercise self-discipline and avoid overindulgence. However, this should be done in healthy and constructive ways rather than through harmful fasting practices.

The Rebbe suggests alternative methods of self-restraint, such as avoiding luxurious or particularly tasty foods, limiting physical indulgence, and exercising personal discipline in measured and healthy ways. The goal is not self-affliction, but refinement and self-control that support rather than weaken one’s avodas Hashem.

The recipient also raised an important question concerning outreach work and the spreading of Yiddishkeit, particularly when such activities interfere with the regular learning schedule in yeshivah.

The Rebbe responds that students of Tomchei Tmimim, and especially those studying within the yeshivah system, are obligated to follow the directives of the hanhalah, the Roshei Yeshivah, and the Mashpi’im who lead the institution.

If students believe that certain outreach activities justify adjustments to the regular learning schedule, they should respectfully present the matter to the yeshivah administration and explain their reasoning fully and honestly. However, the final decision rests with the leadership of the yeshivah, and their directives must be followed.

The Rebbe stresses that proper conduct requires both dedication to personal growth in Torah study and responsibility toward helping others through spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward.

The Rebbe concludes with a blessing that the students should succeed in both areas — in their own spiritual growth and in their work with others — in a manner consistent with the wishes and vision of the founders and leaders of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim, the holy Rabbeim.

This letter reflects the Rebbe’s balanced approach to avodas Hashem: rejecting unhealthy forms of asceticism while emphasizing disciplined self-control, deep Torah study, personal growth, communal responsibility, and proper submission to the guidance of Torah leadership.