5907 —עידוד אומץ לאמת והשפעה חיובית

B"H, 8 Kislev, 5718. Brooklyn.

Harav vavac"h iy"a nu"n his work is the work of Heaven David Avraham Selbovim

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest pause, your letter from the 27th of Cheshvan was received, and I enjoyed reading in it a bit about your activities this past Tishrei. Since, as you wrote, you meet from time to time with Mr. Zerubavel—who surely knows he has considerable influence in a certain wide circle—every meeting should be used for words of inspiration.

Since his actions are mainly due to habit rather than conscious decision-making, if he is repeatedly reminded of the great damage and destruction caused by this, instead of using his talents to increase goodness in the world—especially regarding the Jewish people—eventually these words will have an effect. For truth must ultimately prevail, even if it sometimes takes time. In such matters—and similarly—the greatest obstacle is being ashamed before mockers, as discussed at the beginning of all four sections of Shulchan Aruch.

It is clear what a stir would be made in these circles if he were to reflect on his approach until now and then publicly declare a complete change without embellishment. But from what is heard, his actions so far have not been much influenced by majority opinion. If this is so regarding negative matters, how much more so should he use his courage for good—to say: "The things I said before you until now were mistaken." As mentioned above: if regarding negative matters they said "Do not trust yourself," how much more so regarding positive change! May it be G‑d's will that he too will not be ashamed and will speak all this truthfully; for words that come from the heart are assured to enter the heart.

It is understood that he may mention in his conversation what I have written here if he thinks it will help the matter itself. With his permission he may also add that surely doubts have already arisen within him for some time; only he tries to silence them and immediately dismisses them when they arise in his mind—as is human nature: people are afraid to reconsider whether their way of life is correct because this requires special courage. But precisely because he influences many others—that is, correcting himself multiplies many times over in those influenced by him—he must not retreat or fear reviewing things again and again.

As our Sages teach: even though one who injures himself is exempt (from liability) at least by human courts, one who injures others... And as a sign and example for his relative—that now is the time to review his past approach—let him take as a sign the dream that occurred near their conversation.

Regarding what you wrote about their residence in Kfar Chabad and its drawbacks: there is an obvious contradiction when such statements appear in a letter where you write about your relatives visiting you and its positive results. And if—as the well-known saying often quoted by my father-in-law, the Rebbe—a soul descends below for seventy or eighty years even just to do one favor for another Jew spiritually or materially, how much more so regarding living in Kfar Chabad where "G‑d commanded blessing," which in itself is an elevated matter—especially since one mitzvah brings another mitzvah and such opportunities arise.

Regarding what you wrote about housing—it was necessary to know who are among the candidates. Surely if only suitable types are included—they will be among them...

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true influence requires courage to speak truthfully despite opposition or habit. Heartfelt words can inspire real change both within oneself and others; one should never fear honest self-examination or helping others grow spiritually.