6056 - Tu BiShvat Blessings and the Mission of Spreading Chassidus

Holy Letters of the Rebbe
Volume 16, Letter #6056
Dated: 16th of Shevat, 5718 (Brooklyn, NY)

This letter is addressed to the holy Gaon and Chassid, Rabbi Nissan Telushkin. As many know, Rabbi Nissan Telushkin was a renowned rabbi who specialized in the laws of Mikvaos (ritual baths) and held various leadership positions within the Chabad movement, serving as a pulpit rabbi for many years. His son, Joseph Telushkin, famously wrote a definitive biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The Rebbe begins by acknowledging a letter received from Rabbi Nissan dated the 15th of Shevat—Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees. The Rebbe notes that during this auspicious time, he will mention Rabbi Nissan and his wife, the Rebbetzin, at the holy Tzion (resting place) of his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, for all their needs.

The Rebbe draws a profound connection between the timing of the letter and the recipient’s work. Tu B’Shevat is a meritorious day because "Man is likened to a tree of the field." Just as Rosh Hashanah for trees provides vitality for the entire year, the Rebbe explains—referencing the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe—that the word Rosh (Head) implies that this day is the source of energy and blessings for the months to follow.

The Rebbe specifically praises Rabbi Nissan for his efforts in spreading Ilan d’Chayei—the "Tree of Life." In the Zohar, the esoteric parts of the Torah (Kabbalah and Chassidus) are referred to as the Tree of Life. The speaker explains that while the revealed Torah (such as the Talmud) often deals with mundane or "undesirable" matters—such as disputes, damages, or theft—the esoteric Torah is pure Godliness, holiness, and spiritual elevation.

Using a Halachic (legal) perspective to emphasize the importance of Rabbi Nissan’s work, the Rebbe references the Talmud (Moed Katan 9b). It is taught that while Torah study is generally superior to the performance of individual Mitzvos, one must interrupt their study to perform a Mitzvah that cannot be done by anyone else. The Rebbe suggests that since spreading the "inner" part of the Torah (Chassidus) is a unique task that others may not be equipped to do, it takes precedence.

The Rebbe concludes by praising the third volume of Rabbi Nissan’s book, HaTorah VeHaOlam (Torah and the World), which is a collection of his discourses given on Shabbos. The Rebbe specifically notes the value of the section dedicated to the days of awe and reflection—Elul, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur—as these matters of Yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven) are perfectly aligned with the teachings of Chassidus.

The letter closes with wishes for strength in spreading Torah and Chassidus, with honor, blessings, and good news.