6144 —איזון הלימוד וההלכה המעשית

Adar 5718.

In your esteemed notes regarding Iggeres HaKodesh, section so-and-so: a) The expression 'meraglim' (spies) — see Shmuel Alef 26:4, Likkutei Torah end of Shelach, examine there carefully. b) Testimony is only valid before a beis din. And more. c) One should not push away with both hands. Similarly, our sages said (Berachos 28a) that they only showed him to calm his mind. There are several distinctions in the matter discussed in Iggeres HaKodesh compared to these teachings of our sages. The main one — the conditions for testimony, and that the matter in Berachos relates to someone who has already acted and behaves in a certain way, as opposed to making a fence or warning for the future and a safeguard for Torah. All the more so from what is stated regarding punishing even without prior warning (Sanhedrin 46a).

1 Shmuel Yalav 2 And it was written on the margin of his letter from the 10th of Adar, 5718. 3 In Sefer HaTanya (Iggeres HaKodesh siman alef): "And such matters must be made known. It is my intention, G‑d willing, to send to all minyanim, spies in secret, to know and inform everyone possible; and anyone who has time to extend and contemplate during prayer but is lazy — will be judged with distance. He will be pushed away with both hands when he comes here to hear Chassidus. And from a negative you hear a positive. And those who listen will enjoy it, and upon them will come a good blessing; and good is only Torah," etc.:) The word 'meragel' refers to one who spreads slander... How can one believe what another tells him... Testimony must be given before him. And even then, can he truly push away with both hands?

Summary

This letter teaches that practical halacha requires careful distinction between theoretical study and real-life application, especially regarding testimony and communal discipline. One must avoid hasty judgments or exclusions without proper process and intent.