6060 - Enduring Resolutions in the Spirit of Truth

A Call to Commitment: A Letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe to the Students of Yeshivat Toras Emes

Date: 19th of Shevat, 5718 (1958)
Source: Holy Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 16, Letter #6060

 

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Introduction

In this profound letter, written from Brooklyn, the Lubavitcher Rebbe addresses the students of the Mechina (the preparatory middle school) of the holy Yeshivat Toras Emes in Jerusalem. The Rebbe expresses his pleasure in receiving their correspondence on the eve of the Yom HaHillula (the anniversary of the passing) of his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn.

A Sacred Commitment

The students had written to the Rebbe detailing a series of collective decisions they had made to strengthen their spiritual and academic lives. Their commitments included:

• Establishing a spirit of true love and brotherhood among themselves.

• Strictly adhering to the Yeshiva schedule, focusing on both the quantity and quality of their time.

• Engaging in frequent discussions to strengthen their study habits and their conduct according to the paths of Chassidus.

The Rebbe praises these decisions, praying that the merit of the Previous Rebbe—who sacrificed his very soul to spread Yiddishkeit and Chassidus—stands by them. He wishes for their resolutions to endure for many long days and years, emphasizing the Torah principle of Moseif v’holeich, moseif v’or: to continually rise higher and bring more light into the world.

The Three Levels of Truth

The Rebbe expands on the verse, “Sfas emes tikon la’ad” (“The lip of truth shall be established forever”), explaining that there are different dimensions of truth within Chassidic thought:

1. Sfas Emes (Truth of the Lips): Even if one’s truth is only expressed outwardly through speech, it possesses an eternal quality.

2. Emes (Truth): A deeper level where truth permeates one’s being.

3. Emes L’amito (The Truth of Truth): The ultimate, absolute level of truth.

The Rebbe emphasizes that for a commitment to be lasting and meaningful, it must be rooted in these levels of truth.

The Power of Human Choice

While the Rebbe offers his blessings, he reminds the students that the ultimate responsibility lies with them. Citing the verse, “Uvacharta bachayim” (“You shall choose life”), he explains that Hashem does not make these choices for us. However, when a person makes an initial effort—an "arousal from below"—it triggers a massive "arousal from above."

To illustrate this, the Rebbe quotes the Sages: “Pischu li k’chudo shel machat” (“Open for Me an opening as small as the eye of a needle”). If a person makes even a tiny opening of sincere commitment, Hashem responds by opening a gateway as wide as the Ulam (the great hall of the Holy Temple).

Looking Toward the Future

The Rebbe concludes with a blessing that the students should progress from the Mechina level to ever-higher stages of growth in a timely and successful manner. He encourages them to serve as living examples of what a student should be in an institution founded by the holy Rebbes.

Expressing his anticipation for "good news" regarding their advancement, the Rebbe blesses them to go from strength to strength in their study of Torah, permeated with Yirat Shamayim (the fear of Heaven).