5653 —לימוד תניא, חסידות, ועצות להמנע מהפרעות בתפלה

B"H, 19 Menachem Av, 5717. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your question in your letter: a) Whether you should continue studying Tanya. It is astonishing to even question or doubt this, G‑d forbid, for it is clear and obvious that one must study the inner dimension of Torah which in our generation has been revealed in the teachings of Chassidus. See the words of our teacher Rabbi Chaim Vital in his introduction to Shaar HaHakdamot and what he quotes from the holy Zohar on this matter—startling words—and also see Kuntres Etz Chaim by the Rebbe Rashab (the father of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe—may his merit protect us), where this is discussed at length. Even those who are students of students of the Gra (Vilna Gaon), this is what the Gra says on this subject: "And as long as one does not understand the secret [sod], even the simple meaning [pshat] is not clear to him; and one who could attain secrets of Torah but did not strive to attain them is judged with harsh judgments, G‑d forbid; and those who engage in remez and sod [allusions and secrets], the evil inclination cannot provoke them." [Quoted in Even Shlomo ch. 8 and elsewhere.]

b) Among the recommended strategies for avoiding distracting thoughts during prayer is minimizing idle talk throughout the day, since in most cases these are the source of distracting thoughts. Prayer and study should be done from within a siddur or book; both prayer and study should be done in purity—that is, by being careful with Ezra's immersion—and setting aside charity before morning prayers on weekdays. And above all, as stated in the Mishnah: first accept upon yourself the yoke of Heaven, and only then accept upon yourself the yoke of Torah and mitzvos. Your influence on your friends regarding all these matters—the merit of many will stand by you to succeed in these areas.

With blessing,
In the name of my revered father-in-law, may he live,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that studying Tanya and Chassidus is essential for every Jew. He advises practical steps to avoid distractions during prayer—reducing idle talk, praying from a siddur, maintaining purity, giving charity before prayer, and positively influencing others.