6041 - Expanding the Wellsprings in Quality and Quantity

Holy Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 16, Letter number 6041. Baruch Hashem, the 8th of Shevat, 5718, Brooklyn.
Harav HaChassid, Ish Elokim.
The Rebbe addresses this letter to Yehoshua Sheyichye Elbaum in Yerushalayim.
Shalom u’Vrachah.

Sometimes the Rebbe reads between the lines of a letter, and this is one such case. The Rebbe observes that the number of people participating in the Chassidic class has remained the same. The Rebbe notes that this was not stated explicitly, but rather inferred from the fact that nothing was written about growth.

The Rebbe begins by confirming receipt of the letter from the second day of Shevat, together with the two letters that preceded it. He writes that it was pleasant for him to read that there is success in spreading the wellsprings. However, the Rebbe expresses concern that because of the silence on this point—both from the recipient and from the other activists—the number of participants in the Chassidic class has not increased.

The Rebbe explains that if there had been an increase, it surely would have been mentioned. Since it was not, he suspects that the numbers have not grown, and perhaps—v’ulai v’chulu—he does not want to say it explicitly, but perhaps the numbers have even declined.

The Rebbe writes that one can understand the pain this causes him, because ultimately the idea of spreading the wellsprings is not only about quality, but also about quantity. The Rebbe emphasizes that quantity may even be the main point, especially in the era known as the “heels of Mashiach,” when we are so close to the coming of Mashiach.

The Rebbe explains this based on a teaching from Midrash Rabbah, which states that at the time of Matan Torah a complete number was required—six hundred thousand. Numbers matter. Similarly, before Mashiach, it is essential to bring in as many people as possible. Quantity, therefore, is of great importance.

Because of this, the Rebbe expresses his pain over the lack of numerical growth. He concludes with a prayer that the merit of the one whose yahrzeit is approaching—Yud Shevat—his father-in-law, the Rebbe, should protect all those involved in this work and all the participants in the class, and that they should be blessed with increased success in their holy efforts and good news.

In summary, the Rebbe expresses appreciation for the work being done, but voices concern that growth in numbers is lacking, and perhaps even declining. He stresses the critical importance of quantity, especially in the era before Mashiach, and blesses the recipient with success and good news in expanding this holy work.