Title 6074 - The Deception of Intellectualizing Disobedience

Letter 6,074: The Deception of Intellectualizing Disobedience

Igros Kodesh Volume 16 | 23 Shevat, 5718 Brooklyn, New York

Birthday Customs and Blessings

In response to the student's notice regarding his birthday, the Rebbe acknowledges that he has surely conducted himself in accordance with the established customs of Anash and the Chassidim. These traditions include:

• Receiving an Aliya to the Torah.
• Reviewing a Ma’amar (Chassidic discourse).
• Participating in a Farbrengen.
• Increasing in the study of Tehillim.

The Rebbe offers a heartfelt blessing: May it be the will of Hashem that this coming year be one of great success in the study of Torah and the observance of Mitzvos with perfection (hiddur).

Torah with Fear of Heaven

The Rebbe further blesses the student to study Torah with Yiras Shamayim (Fear of Heaven). He emphasizes that the student must eventually reach the recognition that he is required to fulfill the directives of the Hanhala (administration) of the Yeshiva, Tomchei Temimim.

The Rebbe points out that by Divine Providence, the student was placed in this specific institution. Therefore, it is his responsibility to follow their guidance. The Rebbe specifically emphasizes:

"V’yikayemam bepoel" — You should fulfill them in actual practice.

Overcoming Intellectual Rationalization

Addressing the student’s tendency to blame the administration or find reasons for not studying well, the Rebbe warns against the trap of self-deception.

It is easy to find clever excuses or intellectual rationalizations for not listening to authority. However, the Rebbe asks: What benefit is there in tricking oneself with these justifications?

To highlight the danger of this mindset, the Rebbe references the conclusion of the Sicha of Simchas Torah 5667 (found in Torat Shalom). This talk discusses how even those with great intellectual capacity—those who consider themselves "big thinkers"—can be caught in the trap of using their understanding to avoid doing the right thing.

The Takeaway: Do not use your intellect to excuse or explain away a lack of obedience. Intellectual brilliance is no substitute for the actual fulfillment of the directives given by those in leadership.