6080 - The Preeminence of Action and Connection

Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter 6,080 27 Shevat, 5718 — Brooklyn, NY

This letter was sent by the Rebbe to several individuals, acknowledging reports he received regarding the various Farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings) held during the auspicious month of Shevat. The Rebbe expresses his wish that the words of inspiration shared at these gatherings should achieve their true purpose, citing the Mishnaic principle: "Lo ha-midrash ikkar, ela ha-ma'aseh"—it is not the study that is essential, but the practical action. The Rebbe emphasizes that the ultimate test of any spiritual gathering is the tangible change it produces "on the ground."

The Rebbe contextualizes this by noting that the community has just marked the Yahrtzeit of the Previous Rebbe (Yud Shevat). He explains a profound mystical concept: every year, the soul of the Tzadik ascends to an even higher spiritual plane than the year before. Because the Chassidim are like the "body" connected to the "head" (the Rebbe), they are naturally pulled upward along with him. However, the Rebbe adds an important caveat in parentheses: this elevation is not automatic. It requires "arousal from below"—meaning our own personal effort and active labor are necessary to catch that spiritual wave and rise with it.

The letter also includes a fascinating scholarly note regarding a citation in Igeres HaKodesh (Tanya). The Rebbe discusses a passage from the Tikunim which compares the leader of the generation to the sun that shines from beneath the earth to illuminate 600,000 stars. The Rebbe meticulously traces the sources for this idea through the Zohar and the Tikunei Zohar, even suggesting a potential scribal error in common citations to ensure the scholarly record is perfectly accurate.

The Rebbe concludes by reinforcing the imagery of the sun and the stars—reminding the recipients that as they connect to the "Sun" (the Rebbe), they must reflect that light through their own actions. He blesses them to share good news in all their personal matters and to see the practical fruits of their spiritual growth.