5524 —הדרכה לאחר כיבוי אש בשבת

B"H, 18th of Sivan, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the day that "it was doubled for good," in which you write about the unfortunate incident on Shabbat and your actions at that time amidst panic, and you mention that your heart is troubled by this.

First of all, you should consult a rabbi for guidance, since it is possible—and perhaps even a mitzvah—that what you did was correct; this depends on the specific details of the incident. In any case, as stated at the end of Hilchos Lulav in Rambam and in many places in Sefer Tanya Kadisha about the utmost necessity to serve Hashem with joy and gladness of heart specifically, and that serving Hashem is as it says: "In all your ways know Him," and as ruled in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim siman 231, you must also accept this directive.

May it be Hashem's will that the saying of holy tzaddikim be fulfilled for you: after a fire one becomes wealthy, for then the attribute of mercy is aroused—which is greater than the original attribute of kindness—being Yaakov's trait: an inheritance without boundaries, stretching from one end to the other (see Derech Mitzvosecha by Admor HaTzemach Tzedek, p. 114b).

Blessings for good news in all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that after distressing events—even those involving halachic uncertainty—one should seek rabbinic guidance and continue to serve Hashem with joy. Such challenges can lead to greater blessings and spiritual growth.