5869 —ראש חדש כסלו, חסידות, והתחדשות רוחנית

B"H, 24th of Marcheshvan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n etc. David Meir Shulman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter and pan from the 23rd of Marcheshvan. Without a vow, when I am at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, at the end of this week, I will mention you and your wife for all that you need according to the content of your letter.

Now is Yom Kippur Katan for Rosh Chodesh Kislev—the month of redemption—and the redemption for all those who merited to taste from the teachings and matters of Chassidus. As is known from our holy Rebbeim's saying that Yud Tes Kislev is the Rosh Hashanah for learning Chassidus and its ways. One of the ways of Chassidus is "azov ta'azov imo" (you shall surely help him), as explained by the Baal Shem Tov regarding one's body—not through self-affliction or fasting.

Regarding Rosh Chodesh: our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe and his son the Mitteler Rebbe explained why it is called "Rosh" (head) and not "beginning," just as the head contains the vitality for all limbs so too Rosh Chodesh includes within it all days of the month. From this we understand that on Shabbat Mevarchim things begin in this regard, and on Yom Kippur Katan—which is preparation—the preparations begin for what depends on these influences. As our Sages taught: even an opening as small as a needle's eye opens up to become an entrance hall—specifically an entrance hall—which in addition to its size is always open because it has no doors to close it G‑d forbid.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above, and in my father-in-law's words: "Have a healthy winter."

Summary

This letter highlights Rosh Chodesh Kislev as a time for spiritual renewal through Chassidus, emphasizing communal support and preparation for blessings. The Rebbe teaches that even small efforts can open great spiritual doors when approached with sincerity.