ב"ה, י"ז אדר, תשי"ח
ברוקלין.
שלום וברכה!
במענה למכתבו מיום הששי, בו שואל אודות שרש נפשו למעלה, בקשר עם הכתוב בתניא פרק ד', כבר עניתי בכגון דא, אשר על האדם להשתדל בידיעות שהם סיוע ולהוספה במילוי תפקידו בעולם כדבר משנה, אני נבראתי לשמש את קוני, משא"כ בידיעה האמורה, מאי נפק"מ לו בזה, והרי ענינו בת"ת מפורש בהלכות ת"ת בהנוגע להתמדה ושקידה בלימוד התורה, ומ"ש בתניא שם, זהו ביאור על מה שאין השגות כל בני ישראל שוות. ולא עוד אלא שאפילו השגות צדיקים העובדים את ה' כל ימיהם ג"כ חלוקות הן, שהביאור בזה הוא, שחלוקים ביכולת השגתם ושרש נפשם למעלה.
נעם לי מ"ש אודות השתתפותו בשיעור תניא הנלמד בחבורה, אבל מובן בפשיטות שאין זה מספיק כלל, ובודאי נוסף על האמור יש לו שיעורים לעצמו בכל יום עכ"פ משך זמן קצר לפ"ע ויהי רצון שגם בזה יקוים ציווי התורה דמעלין בקדש ואין לך דבר העומד בפני הרצון.
בטח שומר שלשת השיעורים דחומש תהלים ותניא הידועים, ועכ"פ ישמור עליהם מכאן ולהבא.
בברכה,
בשם כ"ק אדמו"ר שליט"א
The Rebbe writes that he is responding to the writer’s letter from Friday, in which the writer asked about the root of his soul above. The question was based on the explanation in Tanya chapter 4, which discusses the different levels of the soul—Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshama—and how different individuals have different spiritual capacities.
The writer wanted to know from which level his soul originates.
The Rebbe explains that he has already answered similar questions many times. A person should invest effort in gaining knowledge and understanding in those areas that assist him in fulfilling his mission in this world. As the Mishnah teaches:
“אני נבראתי לשמש את קוני” — “I was created to serve my Creator.”
Knowing the spiritual root of one’s soul does not assist a person in fulfilling that mission. Therefore it is not something that a person needs to concern himself with.
The Rebbe explains that the discussion in Tanya about the different levels of souls is not meant for a person to determine his own spiritual origin. Rather, it is intended to explain why people differ from one another in their understanding and abilities. Since souls come from different spiritual sources, their capacities vary accordingly.
In fact, the Rebbe adds, these differences exist even among the greatest tzaddikim who serve Hashem throughout their entire lives. Their spiritual levels and achievements also differ according to the root of their souls.
Therefore, the practical lesson for the individual is not to analyze or speculate about his spiritual origin, but rather to focus on diligence and devotion in Torah study, as emphasized in the laws of Talmud Torah, which stress hasmadah v’shkidah—consistent dedication and effort in learning.
The Rebbe notes with satisfaction that the writer participates in a group shiur in Tanya. However, the Rebbe emphasizes that this alone is certainly not sufficient. In addition to participating in a group class, a person must also establish his own daily study sessions, even if only for a short amount of time each day.
The Rebbe then blesses him with a prayer that the principle of “מעלין בקודש” — continually increasing in holiness should be fulfilled in his life.
The Rebbe also quotes the well-known teaching:
“אין לך דבר העומד בפני הרצון” — Nothing stands in the way of a determined will.
With sincere determination and effort, a person can overcome obstacles and grow in his service of Hashem.
The Rebbe concludes by reminding him about the daily study cycle of Chitas—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—which every Chassid should observe regularly, and encourages him to strengthen himself in this practice.
The letter ends with the Rebbe’s blessing.
Summary:
The Rebbe advises that a person should not focus on discovering the spiritual root of his soul. Instead, he should concentrate on diligent Torah study, daily learning—including Chitas—and fulfilling his mission to serve Hashem, constantly increasing in holiness with determination.