5893 —המשכת חיים חדשים מי"ט כסלו וכוח החסידות

B"H, 3rd of Kislev, 5718.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"m engaged in communal needs, a man of noble character, a branch of a tree of ancestors etc. Maharashz Shazar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have been informed that you are undergoing medical tests, although I do not have details. Nevertheless, I hope that all is well and in order.

On another note, it is remarkable that among our people—the chosen nation—and especially in the holy tongue, even matters that seem purely physical are connected to the soul. As our Sages say: "He examined his soul," and what could be more physical than eating? Yet even here it says: "A righteous person eats to satisfy his soul."

Certainly it is unnecessary to write to you that I strongly hope that also this year, as is your good custom and practice, you will visit Kfar Chabad on the auspicious day of Yud-Tes Kislev, which—as my revered father-in-law the Rebbe expressed—is "the Rosh Hashanah for the study of Chassidus and the ways of Chassidus."

It is well known how my revered ancestor the Alter Rebbe explained precisely why it is called "Rosh" (head) rather than "beginning," since the head includes the vitality of all limbs; so too regarding the cycle of the year and month. Similarly, Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus draws chassidic vitality into all days of the year.

May it be G‑d's will that this awakening from Rosh Hashanah at Kfar Chabad will bring warmth and light throughout the entire year.

I requested from among the guests who were here from Eretz HaKodesh—may it be rebuilt—and returned there to convey my personal regards to you orally; one can rely on an emissary to fulfill his mission. I await good news regarding all the above.

With honor and blessing and with much thanks for your most important gift—the handwritten Arizal Siddur which reached me—as explained by our master the Alter Rebbe on this (Likkutei Torah at the beginning of Parshas Shemini).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual vitality drawn from Yud-Tes Kislev infuses every aspect of life throughout the year. Even physical matters are elevated when connected to holiness. Participation in chassidic gatherings brings warmth and blessing for body and soul alike.