5940 —שאיבת כח מי"ט כסלו והדרכה בלימוד שחיטה

B"H, 20th of Kislev, 5718. Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a ish rav pe'alim uva'al meretz oseik b'tzt"z etc. etc. Zev Greenberg

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your regards via the Avrechim, may they be well. Although they did not give me details, I strongly hope that you are continually increasing in holy work to bring the hearts of the Jewish people closer to our Father in Heaven, as we are commanded to always ascend in holiness. These days are especially suited for making good resolutions in this area, since we have just come from the bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev which, as our holy Rebbeim taught us, is the Rosh Hashanah for learning Chassidus and its ways. As the Rebbe Rashab—the father of my father-in-law, the previous Rebbe—said: on this day there is a general drawing down of the inner light of Torah for the entire year. The inner dimension of Torah is called 'the tree of life,' where there is no side of evil or impure spirit, and through it 'the Jewish people will be redeemed from exile with mercy,' as stated by Moshe Rabbeinu Raaya Meheimna in Zohar III 124b and explained by the Alter Rebbe in Iggeres HaKodesh ch. 26.

Fortunate is your portion that from Heaven you have been granted the ability to influence many Jews; may it be G‑d's will that He grant you success and enable you to fully utilize this influence, and may the merit of the many assist you.

Regarding those Avrechim mentioned above and their study of shechita: According to halachic ruling, a shochet must be 'a fit person whose ways are proper and who has fear of G‑d upon him; he must also know how to learn and understand Gemara and Rashi on his own... he should be especially G‑d-fearing and careful regarding G‑d's word, not easily frightened or confused...' (see Shulchan Aruch HaRav Yoreh Deah 1:2; Shut Shelo sec. 9; Shut tzt"z Yoreh Deah sec. 12; and others). For many years it has been customary that before beginning studies in shechita there should be a period dedicated to acquiring these qualities. This preparation is naturally achieved through Torah study without any ulterior motives—not even motives of holiness—good conduct in general, and especially meticulous mitzvah observance.

I strongly hope that in your letters to them you will repeatedly encourage them about these points, so that for now they will not be preoccupied at all with thoughts about learning shechita itself but rather focus solely on delighting in Torah study day and night with diligence and vitality—'all my bones shall say.' Surely you will find words appropriate for them, and you will succeed.

With honor and blessing for good news regarding all the above matters—and for an illuminating Chanukah according to Beis Hillel: ever-increasing light.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that after Yud-Tes Kislev one should strengthen their dedication to spreading Torah and Chassidus. For those preparing for shechita studies, true readiness comes through sincere Torah study and refining one's character before focusing on technical skills.