6110 – “Shivisi Hashem”: Overcoming Embarrassment in Serving Hashem

In the holy letters of the Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter Number 6110, dated Baruch Hashem, the 12th of Adar, 5718, Brooklyn, the Rebbe writes:

Shalom u’vracha.

The Rebbe responds to a letter describing a situation in which someone who had previously been active in spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus had become weaker in his efforts and slowed down in his work.

Sometimes a person may weaken in his spiritual activities. In some cases a person does not even realize his spiritual decline, and therefore he does not seek guidance. But when someone feels that he has become weaker in his service of Hashem, that itself is already a positive sign, because he seeks help and direction.

The Rebbe addresses this situation and offers guidance.

The Rebbe advises that the individual should reflect on the foundation and opening principle of the entire Shulchan Aruch, which is the verse:

“Shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid” — I place Hashem before me at all times.

This principle is described as the basis of all four sections of the Shulchan Aruch.

When a person truly places Hashem before his eyes constantly, he becomes far less concerned about what other people may say or think.

Often a person weakens in his spiritual activities because he is concerned about the reactions of others. A person does not want to stand out or be different. He fears being mocked or criticized by those around him.

But when one remembers that Hashem stands before him at all times, the opinions of others lose their power.

If Hashem is constantly before a person’s eyes, then embarrassment or ridicule from others cannot weaken his commitment.

The Rebbe writes that reflecting deeply on this principle is sufficient to strengthen a person in his resolve.

From this point forward, the individual should not merely return to his previous level of activity.

Rather, the Rebbe encourages him to increase his efforts even more than before.

The Rebbe references the teaching found at the end of Chapter 2 of Iggeres HaTeshuvah in Tanya, which explains that when a person seeks to correct or strengthen his spiritual life, he should increase his efforts beyond what he previously did.

For example, if a person had been accustomed to studying one page, he should now study two pages.

The idea is not merely to restore the previous level, but to double the effort and increase the energy in serving Hashem.

Therefore, the Rebbe encourages the individual not only to resume his work but to expand it with renewed strength.

This applies especially to the holy task of spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus.

The Rebbe blesses him that he should study Torah with yiras Shamayim and achieve great success in the sacred mission of spreading Chassidus, fulfilling the well-known expression:

“Yafutzu ma’ayanosecha chutzah” — Your wellsprings shall spread outward.

And not only outward, but even to the “chutzah d’chutzah”—the furthest and most external places.

 

The Rebbe concludes with blessings that he should succeed greatly in this mission.