5467 —בלבול פנימי, לימוד תורה לנשים, והתמודדות עם הסחות דעת

B"H, 21 Iyar, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Erev Shabbat Kodesh Parshat Emor, where you write about what you have gone through—it is somewhat surprising and also saddening that apparently it was not only physical disturbance but also mental turmoil and inner disruption. While there is some justification for physical hardship since we are in exile (see Kuntres U'Maayan by the Rebbe Maharashab, Maamar 17), there is no justification for mental turmoil and its fatigue. Moreover, it does not help; on the contrary, it confuses even more. It is well known—the analogy of someone wearing garments much longer than their body: not only does it not help them walk quickly; on the contrary. See also Torah Or by the Alter Rebbe at the beginning of Parshat Noach, and in Sefer HaMitzvos called Derech Mitzvosecha by the tzt"z, Mitzvat Taglachat Metzora. It is also known—the precision in 'Yegia Kapecha Ki Tochel Ashrecha V'Tov Lach' (Tehillim 128:2) (When you eat the labor of your hands you will be happy and it will be good for you), and not 'the labor of the head and mind.' Although it is not an easy task that bodily distractions should not disturb focused thought—since the power of thought must be clothed—after all, 'Man was born to toil' (Iyov 5:7), and this suffices.

Regarding your question if it is permissible to explain to women those matters from G‑d's Torah which will make it easier for them to bear the difficulties of the times etc.—it is surprising even to doubt this, especially in our generation—the generation at the heels of Mashiach, the last generation of exile when we must prepare for all matters and conditions that will exist at the beginning of redemption and redemption itself. It is well known from our Sages that the future redemption will be similar to the Exodus from Egypt which came about in the merit of righteous women of that generation. Especially since in such matters women have always been obligated to know these concepts; therefore they were present at scholars' lectures even in Tannaic times. All this is clarified as a halachic ruling in Hilchot Talmud Torah—including Hilchot Talmud Torah by the Alter Rebbe at the end of chapter one—see there; for these are among laws they need to know because it is evident that without understanding Divine Providence, man's purpose in creation and his true good etc., it is very difficult to withstand all tests of our times.

Regarding what you wrote about special study in matters more relevant to a groom than others—discuss this with elder Anash in your area and they will guide you.

I hope that from time to time you increase your fixed times for studying Chassidus and enhance your observance of its directives and customs—for each one of us has been commanded to ascend in holiness.

Blessings—in the wording used by my father-in-law, the Rebbe—for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while physical hardships are part of exile, inner turmoil should be overcome through focus on one's mission. He encourages sharing Torah insights with women as vital preparation for redemption and stresses continual growth in Chassidus study and practice.