6102 - The Presumption of an Emissary’s Success

Main Title: The Presumption of Action: Confidence in a Shliach (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 16, Letter 6,102)

Introduction

Written on the 8th of Adar, 5718, this letter is addressed to Refoel Pinchas Goldstein, a young man studying in Jerusalem. The Rebbe strikes a balance between a firm request for accountability and a profound expression of faith in the recipient’s inherent nature as an emissary of Hashem.

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The Power of Presumption: Chazakah

The Rebbe notes that it has been quite some time—since the end of Kislev—since he last received a report on the young man’s activities in spreading Yiddishkeit. While a two-month gap might seem small, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of consistent reporting.

However, the Rebbe explains that he is confident the work is being done even without the report. He cites the halachic principle: Chazakah she-shliach oseh shlichuso—the legal presumption that an emissary fulfills his mission. Since every Jew is essentially an agent of Hashem, the Rebbe assumes as a matter of course that the work is continuing and even expanding, because in matters of holiness, we must always follow the rule of Maalin Bakodesh (elevating and increasing).

Navigating Local Traditions in Jerusalem

The recipient, living in the holy city of Jerusalem, was faced with a dilemma regarding local customs that didn't always align with specific Chabad traditions. The Rebbe’s guidance is practical and grounded in community: he advises the young man to consult with and "investigate by the elders of the Chassidim" in Jerusalem to determine the proper path forward. This highlights the importance of Mesorah (tradition) and respecting the established Chassidic leadership in one's specific location.

The Mystery of the "Missing" Blessings

The correspondent raised a technical question: why are certain blessings—like the one for blossoming trees in Nissan or the rainbow—missing from the Rebbe’s Siddur?

The Rebbe provides a fascinating clarification of the Chabad textual tradition:

• The Blessing on Trees: While it may not be in the Siddur, it is explicitly mentioned in the Alter Rebbe’s Birchas HaNehenin (the laws of blessings).

• The Blessing on a Rainbow: This is missing from both the Siddur and the Birchas HaNehenin! The Rebbe suggests this might be because rainbows were not common in the Alter Rebbe's geographic location.

Despite their absence from these texts, the Rebbe clarifies that we absolutely recite them. He points to the specific instruction of his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, as recorded in the Hayom Yom for the 29th of Tishrei.

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Summary of Key Lessons

• The Assumption of Goodness: We should view ourselves and others through the lens of a Chazakah—assuming that a person is fulfilling their Divine mission even when we don't see immediate "reports."

• The Duty of Increase: Growth in Yiddishkeit isn't static; the principle of Maalin Bakodesh means we must always look to do more today than we did yesterday.

• The Will Overcomes Obstacles: The Rebbe reinforces that "Ain lecha davar ha’omed bifnei haratzon"—nothing stands in the way of a sincere will. If you want to accomplish your mission, you have the power to do so.

• Respecting Community Elders: When in doubt about local customs or how to conduct oneself, the first step is to seek the wisdom of the elders within the Chassidic community.

• Living Instruction: Not every Jewish law is found in a single book. Sometimes, practical observance relies on the direct instructions of the Rebbeim and works like the Hayom Yom to supplement the standard texts.