5919 —חיזוק חוג השפעת התורה והגדלת ההשתתפות

B"H, 12 Kislev, 5718.

Brooklyn, NY.

Avrech Avraham Baruch shiyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter regarding your trip to Chicago in due time, and afterwards the news through Harav Hachassid etc. etc. Harachamim shiyichyeh Chadakov as well as through Rav Ben Tzion shiyichyeh Althaus, who organized a circle of students, which brought me satisfaction. Surely you are also fulfilling here the principle of "ma'alin bakodesh"—increasing the circle both quantitatively (in the number of students) and qualitatively (in the level of study), though these two are not always dependent on each other. My intention is that one should not set a condition that all participants must immediately reach the proper quality; doing so limits the work. It is known that even a simple Jew is obligated in Torah study. Therefore, on one hand, you should strive to increase the number of participants even if they have not yet reached the desired level; on the other hand, for those who are suitable, you should strive to raise their quality.

May Hashem grant you success in your work for the benefit of others—which is a great principle in Torah as Rabbi Akiva said about the verse "Ve'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha" (You shall love your fellow as yourself)—and this work will bring success also in your personal matters both materially and spiritually.

Surely it is unnecessary to remind you about preparations for the bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev, and you will certainly convey this also to those influenced by you.

With blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that expanding Torah influence means both increasing numbers and deepening quality without limiting participation by initial standards. Every Jew has a share in Torah study; efforts for others bring blessings both spiritually and materially.