5743 —ח"י אלול, חיים וחיות באלול, והוספה בקדושה

B"H, 17 Elul, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z tznam"s etc. HaRash"i

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... And as we approach the bright day of Chai Elul—the birthday of the two great luminaries, the Baal Shem Tov and our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe—may it be G‑d's will that as my father-in-law the Rebbe said regarding the name "Chai Elul," it brings vitality into Elul. From this day onward—and even on its eve as preparation—warmth, vitality, and light should enter in a way that continually increases and ascends in holiness. This applies to all matters hinted at by the acronym of Elul: Torah study, service (prayer), acts of kindness (gemilut chasadim), and "Keter Shem Tov," which rises above them all; practical action below and teshuvah above—which is also hinted at in the word Elul.

And as our Sages say: "Anything that is flexible is superior." May there be a ketivah v'chatimah tovah for a good and sweet year.

With blessings for good news and a good inscription and sealing,
M. Schneersohn

P.S. The book Sippurei Chassidim part II has not yet been received. I request clarification regarding copying the sichah about the difference between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel—potential versus actual.

Summary

The letter teaches that Chai Elul infuses life into all aspects of spiritual service during Elul—Torah study, prayer, acts of kindness, and teshuvah—encouraging ever-increasing warmth and holiness leading to a good year.