Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15 — Letter #5461
B”H, 18 Iyar, 5717 (May 17, 1957)
Brooklyn, New York

Shalom U’Vracha,

The Rebbe acknowledges receipt of the recipient’s letter dated the 5th of Iyar and writes that it gave him pleasure to read that the recipient was drawing closer to the ways of Chassidus — both through increased Torah study and through adopting the directives and customs of Chassidic life.

The Rebbe blesses him that in this growth there should be fulfilled the teaching of our Sages: “maalin bakodesh” — one must continually ascend in holiness and progress from strength to strength. The Rebbe emphasizes the well-known principle that nothing can stand in the way of true will and determination. With sincere desire and effort, a person can continue rising higher spiritually.

The Rebbe adds that many of the Anash and Chassidim living in Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh will certainly assist and support him in this journey of spiritual growth and strengthening in Chassidus.

The recipient had apparently expressed concern regarding his future livelihood and practical direction in life. In response, the Rebbe advises him to follow the longstanding tradition associated with the precious Jews of Yerushalayim.

The Rebbe explains that during one’s younger years and period of study, the primary focus should be Torah learning and avodas Hashem, without becoming overly preoccupied with future worries regarding livelihood and financial matters.

When the proper time arrives for shidduchim and establishing a home, then practical decisions regarding parnassah and future occupation can be addressed appropriately together with the kallah’s side and according to the circumstances at that time.

The Rebbe therefore cautions him against unnecessary anxiety and emotional distraction concerning matters that belong to the future. Worrying excessively now about issues that will only need to be resolved later serves merely as a “pizur hanefesh” — a dispersal and weakening of one’s emotional and spiritual focus.

Instead, one should concentrate fully on present responsibilities: Torah study, avodas Hashem, and personal spiritual growth. When the appropriate time arrives, Hashem will provide the guidance and opportunities necessary for the next stage of life.

The recipient had also written regarding another young man who was experiencing fluctuations and instability in his avodas Hashem — periods of spiritual ascent followed by decline and discouragement.

The Rebbe responds that while there are many levels and forms of such struggles, one common principle applies to all of them: under no circumstances should spiritual setbacks lead a person to despair, hopelessness, or emotional depression.

As explained repeatedly in Tanya, feelings of despair and dejection themselves become major obstacles in avodas Hashem.

At the same time, however, the Rebbe stresses that one must not simply accept spiritual decline passively. A person must actively battle against moments of weakness and spiritual descent, striving continuously to overcome them until eventually they are eliminated altogether.

The Rebbe notes that the practical methods for overcoming such struggles vary according to the individual’s personality, soul, and environment, making it impossible to provide one universal written formula applicable to everyone.

Therefore, the Rebbe advises consulting with elder Chassidim and experienced spiritual mentors within one’s local community, who can provide practical and individualized guidance suited to the person’s specific circumstances.

Toward the conclusion of the letter, the Rebbe encourages the recipient to participate actively in the work of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad and expresses confidence that he is already doing so.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings.

This letter beautifully reflects the Rebbe’s balanced guidance regarding spiritual growth: encouraging constant advancement and aspiration, while simultaneously emphasizing patience, emotional stability, practical responsibility, and trust that each stage of life should unfold in its proper time.