6105 – Strengthening Others Strengthens Yourself

In the holy letters of the Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter Number 6105, dated Boruch Hashem, the 10th of Adar, 5718, Brooklyn, the Rebbe writes:

Shalom u’Brocho.

The Rebbe begins by acknowledging receipt of the writer’s letter that was sent on Erev Shabbos Kodesh, together with a pidyon nefesh. The Rebbe writes that he will read the pidyon nefesh at an auspicious time at the holy tzion of his father-in-law, the Rebbe, with all the appropriate titles.

In the letter, the writer described the activities he and his associates were undertaking to strengthen matters of Yiddishkeit and to spread Jewish observance. He also mentioned the condition of the organization or corporation that they had established for this purpose.

The Rebbe addresses several of the points raised.

The writer had explained that their efforts were mainly focused on young men who had previously studied in yeshivah, because they felt that those individuals already had a foundation and therefore were easier to influence and strengthen.

By contrast, they were putting less effort into those who had never studied in yeshivah, because they believed that such individuals had less background and therefore less interest.

The Rebbe responds that he does not see any contradiction between the two approaches.

On the contrary, the Rebbe explains that both groups should be engaged.

The Rebbe points out an important principle: when a person is given the responsibility to strengthen another person’s love of Torah and fear of Heaven, this very responsibility strengthens him as well.

The Rebbe references the expression of our sages: “tofe’ach al menas lehatfiach.”
This refers to being moist enough to moisten others.

In other words, when someone is involved in influencing others, he himself must rise to a higher level in order to do so. The act of teaching and inspiring others strengthens the individual himself.

Therefore, involving even those who lack a yeshivah background can actually energize and elevate the people doing the outreach.

When someone is given responsibility to spread Torah and Yiras Shamayim, he naturally strengthens his own connection as well.

The writer also mentioned that the financial situation of the organization was difficult. Their expenses were exceeding their income.

The Rebbe responds that this should not discourage them.

In matters of holiness, the proper approach is always to increase, not to limit activity because of financial concerns.

When it comes to spreading Torah and strengthening Judaism, one should not say that because the financial resources are limited, the activities must therefore be reduced.

Rather, the work should continue and expand, and the necessary support will follow.

The Rebbe then addresses another matter raised in the letter: the issue of married women covering their hair.

The Rebbe writes that he has already expressed his opinion many times regarding this subject.

While covering the hair with a tichel or headscarf is technically a form of covering, in practice it often leads to difficulties in maintaining the proper standard.

The Rebbe explains that with a scarf there is often a constant internal struggle: whether to cover all the hair properly, whether to adjust it, or whether to remove it in certain social situations.

Sometimes this struggle is due to concern about what others may say or think.

The Rebbe notes that even when such concerns are only imagined, they can still influence behavior.

Because of this, the Rebbe strongly encouraged the use of a sheitel, a wig.

When a woman wears a sheitel, the issue of covering the hair becomes stable and consistent. The sheitel remains in place, and there is no ongoing struggle or temptation to remove it in public settings.

The Rebbe adds that in this particular case, as the writer mentioned in his letter, both he and his wife had already agreed that she would cut her hair and wear a sheitel.

The Rebbe states that this is the proper course of action.

The Rebbe also addresses an argument sometimes raised: that modern wigs can appear even more attractive than natural hair.

The Rebbe responds that this is not inherently a problem, because wearing a wig has already become an accepted practice within many communities.

However, the Rebbe adds an important qualification.

One must consider the customs of the local community. In some communities it is customary for women to place a scarf or covering over the sheitel as an additional measure.

If that is the established custom in a particular place, it should be respected and not disregarded.

Nevertheless, the fundamental step—cutting the hair and wearing a sheitel—is incomparably stronger and more effective than the alternatives.

The Rebbe then expresses appreciation that the writer has begun delivering public shiurim in Tanya and Chassidus.

The Rebbe encourages him to continue expanding these classes.

He writes that the merit of the many people who benefit from these teachings will support and strengthen him.

Finally, the writer had also mentioned that his wife was expecting a child.

The Rebbe concludes with a heartfelt blessing that Hashem should grant her a healthy pregnancy and that she should give birth easily and at the proper time to a “zera chaya v’kayyama”—a healthy and enduring child.

 

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news and wishes him a Purim sameach u’poel—a joyful and active Purim.