ב"ה, י"ג אדר, תשי"ח
ברוקלין.
שלום וברכה!
בצער רב קראתי הפ"כ שלהם הנשלח יו"ד אדר, ובודאי למותר לבאר סיבת הצער, כיון שבטח נשארה אצלם העתקת הפ"כ בו מובלט ומודגש חסרון הפעולות עם הזולת, ומצער לא פחות ואולי עוד יותר חסרון הפעולות גם בהנוגע לעצמו, שמודגש זה ע"י ההיפך דקירוב הלבבות.
והנה אין צועקים על העבר, ויהי רצון שעכ"פ מכאן ולהבא יתקרבו הלבבות זה לזה ככל הדרוש, ויוסיפו אומץ בהנוגע לעצמם ובהנוגע לזולתם וע"ד המבואר בכ"מ, שכיון שידוע מראש אשר בל ידח ממנו נדח ומוכרח הוא בכל מקום ומקום להעשות, שהרי פקודה רבותנו נשיאנו ע"ד הפצת המעינות חוצה גזירה היא וכדרז"ל עה"פ לא-ל גומר עלי, שהתורה משנה אפילו המציאות דהטבע, הרי אין כל תועלת בדיחוי הדבר מיום לשבוע ומשבוע לחדש כו', כיון שסו"ס צריך יהי' להעשות ע"י פלוני, הרי טוב שיעשנו בהקדם האפשרי ובשמחה ובטוב לבב דוקא.
ובפרט שנמצאים אנו בימי סגולה ביחוד לענינים האמורים שהרי מובאר בספרים אחד הטעמים דמצות פורים היא במשלוח מנות וכו' להרבות הקירוב לבבות של כל בנ"י זל"ז ועד לאביונים שזהו עוד פחות מעני, ואין עני אלא בדעת, שזהו ענין דהפצת המעינות לחוצה ועד לחוצה דחוצה וק"ל וכשיחליטו בתוקף הדעת הגמור, בודאי שתומ"י יראו הצלחה, וע"ד המבואר בענין הנסיונות, שכשאין שמים לב לנסיון רואים שלא הי' בזה אלא נסיון ולא דבר שבמציאות, ורק נשאר התועלת כמה שנאמר כי מנסה ה"א אתכם גו' - דפירושו גם מנסה מל' ארים נסי על ההרים הגבהה והתנשאות,
ויהי רצון שמכאן ולהבא ענין אורה ושמחה וששון ויקר יהי' תוכן כל הבשורות המגיעות ממחנם הט'.
בברכה לבשו"ט ולחג פורים שמח.
In the holy letters of the Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter Number 6111, dated Baruch Hashem, the 13th of Adar, 5718, Brooklyn, the Rebbe writes:
Shalom u’vracha.
The Rebbe opens by expressing that it was with great pain that he read the report that had been sent to him on the 10th of Adar.
The Rebbe writes that he assumes the recipients of the letter themselves have a copy of that report, and therefore it is unnecessary to elaborate in detail on the matters that caused him distress.
What stands out from the report, the Rebbe says, is the lack of activity in influencing others.
Even more troubling, however, is that the report also indicates a lack of work on oneself.
The Rebbe notes that there appears to have been discord and disagreement among the individuals involved, and this lack of harmony seems to have hindered their ability to work together and carry out the mission of spreading Yiddishkeit.
The Rebbe emphasizes that both areas require attention: working with others and working on oneself.
At the same time, the Rebbe states an important principle:
“Ein sho’in al he’avar”—one does not dwell on or lament the past.
Instead, the focus must be on the future.
The Rebbe expresses the hope that from now on, the individuals involved will work together as needed, with cooperation and mutual respect.
They should increase their efforts both in refining themselves and in reaching out to others.
The Rebbe explains that ultimately this work must succeed.
Why?
Because the spreading of the wellsprings of Chassidus to the outside—“Yafutzu ma’ayanosecha chutzah”—was established and commanded by the holy Rebbes.
This mission is not optional; it is a directive that must be fulfilled.
The Rebbe references the verse “L’Keil gomer alai”, which Chazal interpret to mean that when the sages establish something, their decree has the power to affect even the natural order.
Since the Rebbes have directed that the wellsprings must spread outward, it is certain that this mission will ultimately succeed.
Therefore, the Rebbe asks: if the work must eventually be accomplished, what is gained by postponing it?
Why delay from day to week, or from week to month?
Since the outcome is certain, it is far better to accomplish the work immediately, and to do so with joy and gladness of heart.
The Rebbe then points out that the current time is especially auspicious for strengthening unity and outreach.
The days of Purim emphasize connection and unity among Jews.
One of the mitzvos of Purim is Mishloach Manos, sending gifts to one another. The purpose of this mitzvah is to increase friendship and closeness among Jews.
Another mitzvah is Matanos L’evyonim, giving gifts to the poor.
The Rebbe explains that poverty exists on different levels.
Some people are poor materially. Others are poor in a spiritual or intellectual sense.
As our sages teach: “Ein oni ela b’daas”—true poverty can be a lack of knowledge or understanding.
Therefore, just as we help the materially poor on Purim, we must also help those who are spiritually lacking by sharing Torah and Chassidus with them.
This is the essence of spreading the wellsprings—to reach even those who are far removed.
The Rebbe adds that when a person encounters obstacles or challenges, he should realize that these are often tests rather than true barriers.
If one refuses to be discouraged by the obstacle, he will discover that the challenge was only meant to elevate him.
The verse states: “Ki menaseh Hashem Elokeichem eschem”—Hashem tests you.
The deeper meaning of the word “menaseh” is not only to test, but also to raise and elevate.
When a person overcomes a challenge, he rises to a higher level and reveals greater strength within himself.
Thus, obstacles are often opportunities for growth.
The Rebbe concludes with a blessing that from now on the news from their community should be only positive, as expressed in the words of the Megillah:
“Ora v’simcha v’sason v’ikar”—light, joy, gladness, and honor.
The Rebbe blesses them with success and wishes them a happy Purim.