6186 —ניצול כשרונות מיוחדים להפצת חסידות

B"H, 13 Nissan, 5718.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z etc. Yitzchak Alfasi

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter as well as the book "HaSaba HaKadosh," and also the "Machanayim" booklet in which your article on the aliyah of the chassidim to Eretz Yisrael and on the aliyah of Chabad appeared. Thank you for your attention in sending them to me. Surely you will also send your other books to my library for the benefit of the public.

May it be G‑d's will that you utilize the talents with which Divine Providence has endowed you to spread matters of Chassidus—its teachings and its way of life—among ever-widening circles.

Although certainly spreading Judaism in general is necessary and serves as a foundation and background for spreading Chassidus, it is well known how especially important is a mitzvah that cannot be performed by others (see Moed Katan 9a and there), for mitzvos in general are not comparable to even one matter of Torah, and a mitzvah that cannot be done by others tips the scales so much that it overrides Torah study.

Therefore, spreading Chassidus—which has few experts—is considered a mitzvah that cannot be done by others, and anyone who has been endowed with special talent in this area should give it precedence even over general Jewish outreach.

Additionally, there is the principle that one mitzvah leads to another, and it is impossible for a Jew to absorb matters of Chassidus without this ultimately causing a transformation in his world and lifestyle regarding Judaism, its matters, true Torah, and its commandments.

As we approach Pesach—may it come upon us and all Israel for good—I hereby express my blessing for a kosher and joyous festival and for true freedom: freedom from material worries and spiritual worries—from anything that hinders serving Hashem with joy and gladness of heart. May this freedom and joy continue throughout the entire year.

With honor and blessing,
M. Schneersohn

As is my custom—I at least immediately leafed through the book. Incidentally—at first glance—I wish to point out at the beginning of the book (page 15): The passing of the Baal Shem Tov was on Wednesday (see sichah of my father-in-law, Admor Rayatz, 20 Kislev 5693), i.e., on 6 Sivan. At its end (page 234): "A certain wealthy man..."—see a long story—in the sichah of Shemini Atzeres 5696—and a saying from the Alter Rebbe on this topic.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that when one has unique abilities in spreading Chassidus, this mission takes priority—even over general outreach—because such work cannot be done by others. Using our G‑d-given talents for this purpose brings personal transformation and benefits all of Israel.