5554 —הסרת שם אינה מספיקה, חב"ד צריכה למלא את המקום

B"H, 28 Sivan, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'Tz"tz Mo"h Chaim Zusya

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 24th of Sivan with the enclosed pan, which was read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, I await good news regarding the matters you wrote about and hope this will be soon.

Certainly it is unnecessary to remind you that merely removing a particular name is not sufficient at all, since the name of Chabad has not spread throughout the entire area and thus an empty space remains. It is known what is said in such cases—a teaching brought in chassidic and kabbalistic works—that an empty space comes as a result of tzimtzum (contraction) and is a root for judgments.

This is similar to what is told in response by one of the Rebbes: What is the difference between Chassidus and Mussar? He explained that when a thief enters a house there are two ways to save oneself: (a) raising a loud cry to drive away the thief—but then he may return once his fear passes or when people stop shouting or get used to it; (b) catching the thief—and even better, later returning him through teshuvah. The analogy is clear, as is its lesson for our situation.

Everything has its opportune time and auspicious moment both above and below. We must also take advantage of our approaching the days of redemption—Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz—for this matter as well, explaining that perhaps this itself is significant, etc., and this suffices.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned matters as well as for your health and that of each member of your household—may they live.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that removing something negative is not enough; one must actively fill the void with holiness—in this case, spreading Chabad’s presence. An empty space invites negativity. Timely action brings blessing, especially near auspicious dates.