5834 —כוח על ידי פעולה ואמונה

B"H, 9th of MarCheshvan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh. At an auspicious time, your wife will be mentioned at the holy resting place of the Rebbe Rayatz, as is fitting according to your letter that you merited to hear from his mouth the well-known discourse on "Al Kein Yomru HaMoshelim Bo'u Cheshbon" (Therefore the rulers say: Come, let us calculate). It is understood that as you increase in Torah and mitzvos—as explained by our sages on the verse "Bo'u V'Nechashev Cheshbono Shel Olam" (Come, let us calculate the account of the world)—the blessings of Hashem will increase for you in all your needs both materially and spiritually.

It is obvious regarding what you wrote in your letter—that you do not feel worthy to write because you lack the strength to withstand the battle with the yetzer hara, etc.—surely you remember or at least will now learn in Sefer Tanya how even those whose battle with the yetzer hara is difficult within their own four cubits are given full ability not only to withstand but also to win (see there in the places noted in the index added to Tanya). Especially for those who merited to see a tzaddik and hear his words—for the words of tzaddikim are alive and enduring and have their effect—and all the more so regarding spiritual matters. Everyone agrees—even non-Jews—that it is impossible to create something from nothing (only to change form); how much more so regarding spiritual matters, and certainly concerning Torah and mitzvos.

According to the saying of our holy Rebbeim: One action is better than a thousand sighs. Instead of sighing about oneself—even though sometimes this is necessary—it is certainly better to begin taking action by increasing Torah and mitzvos beyond what has been done until now. Those who engage in this are assured of increased blessings from Hashem for all their needs.

May it be Hashem's will that He, in His abundant mercy, grant additional blessing and success even for future needs, and may you share good news about all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that real strength comes through practical action in Torah and mitzvos. Even when facing inner struggles, one has been given full ability by Hashem to overcome. Taking positive steps brings greater blessing than lamenting one's challenges.