5459 —הדרכה על השגת אהבת ה' והתמודדות עם מכשולים רוחניים

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15 — Letter #5459
B”H, 18 Iyar, 5717 (May 17, 1957)
Brooklyn, New York

Shalom U’Vracha,

The recipient wrote to the Rebbe regarding a passage in Tanya discussing the service of love of Hashem and the elevated spiritual state in which one reaches “klos hanefesh” — an intense longing and attachment to Hashem to the point of complete self-nullification.

The individual explained that Tanya states that every Jew, according to his level, can attain such lofty spiritual heights. Yet despite repeated efforts, he found himself unable to experience these feelings or reach those levels of love and closeness to Hashem. He wondered whether his shortcomings and past sins were creating a separation between himself and spirituality, and he asked the Rebbe for guidance regarding what he should do.

The Rebbe responds with a foundational principle in avodas Hashem.

In all matters of holiness, growth must proceed gradually and consistently — step by step. One cannot expect to leap suddenly from one spiritual extreme to another. While temporary moments of spiritual elevation may occasionally occur unexpectedly, the normal and proper path in avodas Hashem is one of steady progression and gradual development.

The Rebbe explains that when striving for lofty levels of love of Hashem, one must begin with the lower and more practical levels first.

Referring to Tanya Chapter 17, the Rebbe explains that one should initially work on developing a love of Hashem sufficient to motivate proper fulfillment of Torah and mitzvos. The purpose of this initial love is not spiritual ecstasy or self-nullification, but rather practical devotion and commitment to fulfilling Hashem’s will in daily life.

Likewise, regarding fear and awe of Hashem, the Rebbe points to Tanya Chapter 41, where one develops awareness that he constantly stands before the King of kings, Hashem Himself, Who observes all of one’s actions and thoughts. This awareness inspires proper conduct and reverence.

The Rebbe further explains that together with these foundations, the individual should also engage in sincere teshuvah. Since the writer himself mentioned concern about sins creating spiritual barriers, this indicates the need to strengthen the process of repentance and self-refinement.

However, even teshuvah itself must proceed gradually and systematically. The Rebbe references the Alter Rebbe’s teachings in Iggeres HaTeshuvah and the Mitteler Rebbe’s work Derech Chaim, where the process of teshuvah is carefully structured beginning from the lower stages and gradually ascending toward higher spiritual levels.

Only after establishing oneself firmly in these foundational stages of love, fear, teshuvah, Torah study, and mitzvah observance can one continue progressing toward higher and deeper levels of spiritual attachment and love of Hashem.

The Rebbe emphasizes that true spiritual growth requires both “yegias hanefesh” and “yegias habasar” — effort of the soul together with effort of the body. Through steady effort and perseverance, one can indeed continue ascending “from strength to strength.”

At the same time, the Rebbe notes that one should never abandon lofty aspirations. The Rebbe cites the teaching of Tanna D’Bei Eliyahu that every Jew should ask himself: “When will my actions reach the actions of my forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov?”

Every Jew is expected to strive for greatness. However, such heights are attained only through a lifelong process of patient growth, discipline, and continuous advancement — not through immediate transformation overnight.

Toward the conclusion of the letter, the Rebbe reminds the recipient about the daily study cycles instituted by the Frierdiker Rebbe — Chitas: Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. The Rebbe encourages him to maintain these daily studies regularly, in addition to establishing fixed times for the study of both Nigleh and Chassidus.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for success in all of the above.

This letter presents a profound and balanced approach to spiritual growth. While encouraging every Jew to aspire toward the highest levels of holiness and closeness to Hashem, the Rebbe simultaneously emphasizes patience, consistency, humility, and the necessity of gradual development through steady avodah and practical observance.