5938 —ההשפעה המתמשכת של התועדות על י"ט כסלו

B"H, 18th of Kislev, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Shlomo Koptzik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long pause, your letter was received, which you began writing on the 27th of Marcheshvan. Fortunate is your lot for organizing farbrengens. You wrote that you do not always see results or fruits from this; however, during the farbrengen itself, words of Torah and inspiration are certainly spoken, and it is impossible for Chassidus not to have its effect. It is well known from our holy Rebbeim that the soul hears—even regarding a completely simple person. This is also evident from the sichah at Beit Knesset Tzemach Tzedek in 5693; see Likkutei Dibburim II, section 17—especially in our case where it concerns people learned in Torah.

You wrote about Rabbi from Mekub who is a student of Rabbi Shimon Greenfeld (author of She'elot u'Teshuvot Maharshag). At an appropriate opportunity, please convey my regards to him from me—even though I do not know him personally—because I strongly hope he will surely do all he can to spread the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov in general and as revealed through Chabad by our Alter Rebbe. My hope is strengthened by his connection to our Alter Rebbe through his own teacher, as seen from his efforts to reconcile the Alter Rebbe's words; see She'elot u'Teshuvot Maharshag part II sections 34 and 75 (I do not have part I; perhaps there too is something relevant).

You mention Rabbi Safra; indeed there is also a Rav Safra who told me that his father lives in Eretz HaKodesh—perhaps this is the same person.

I am confident that for the Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen you did all you could to arrange it properly. You wrote that you do not feel sufficient strength within yourself; but our Sages have already taught us in our eternal Torah through stories about Chanina ben Dosa: they only asked him to extend his hand, and Heaven helped him lift a stone to Jerusalem (see Shir HaShirim Rabbah at its beginning and Kohelet Rabbah at its beginning). There is a wonderful hint here based on what is explained regarding "the heart of stone" and "Jerusalem—complete awe." Great is the merit of your involvement in these matters and similar ones—that you and your entire family succeed in all their affairs.

At the end of your letter you wrote that one of those who attend your shiur concluded from what was studied in the kuntres and Maayan that in the future the body will provide for the soul. This is correct, as explained at length in the discourses of Admor (Rashab) "Lechol Tiklah," 5599, also brought in Kovetz Lubavitch issue three.

Blessings for good news and for a joyful and active farbrengen.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every effort to inspire others with Torah has lasting value—even when immediate results are unseen—and encourages perseverance in spreading Chassidus. He reminds us that Divine help comes when we extend ourselves beyond our perceived limits.