Letter 6189 – Use the Auspicious Time to Strengthen Students

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 17, Letter 6,189.

Boruch Hashem, 23rd of Nissan, 5718, Brooklyn.

Sholom U’vrocho.

The Rebbe opens by expressing surprise that so much time has passed without reports or letters.

He notes that the end of the month of Adar and the beginning of Nissan are especially fitting times — an eis ratzon, a favorable and auspicious period — to make an impact upon students, upon parents, and through public outreach as well.

These are valuable days that can be used to inspire, to gather people together, and to create renewed momentum. It is a season in which one can often accomplish much more than during the regular routine.

The Rebbe writes that it is his hope and prayer that the lack is only in the writing — meaning that the reports were not sent — but not, Heaven forbid, in the activities themselves. In other words, he hopes that the work is indeed being done properly, even if no updates were submitted.

He asks that at the next opportunity they write in proper detail and report on all that has taken place, including the activities of the month of Nissan, and especially those connected with the days of Pesach, both before and after Yom Tov.

The Rebbe emphasizes once again that these days are particularly suited for influence, outreach, and publicity. They are also an ideal time to bring in new students and to strengthen the bond of previous students with the institution where they are now studying.

This strengthening does not only happen through formal classes. Sometimes it comes through the atmosphere surrounding the learning — gatherings, warmth, connection, encouragement, and meaningful interaction.

At times, one can accomplish even more through these surrounding influences than through formal instruction itself.

In this spirit, the Rebbe cites the teaching of our Sages: Gadol shimushah yoser mi’limudah — serving Torah is greater even than studying Torah. There are dimensions of personal connection, lived example, and environment that can have a deeper effect than information alone.

Therefore, the Rebbe urges them to use these days fully: to reach out, to attract, to reconnect, and to deepen the relationship of students and families with Torah and with the institution.

He then blesses them that Hashem should grant success in their efforts, for they are engaged in fulfilling the Divine will by increasing Torah in their city through their institution.

How fortunate, the Rebbe writes, is the portion of all those who involve themselves and labor in all of the above.

The Rebbe blesses them with success in their holy work of chinuch al taharas hakodesh — education in purity and holiness — and with good news regarding all these matters, as well as in their personal affairs.

He concludes with the expression used by his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe: a gezunten zummer — a healthy summer.

At the end, the Rebbe notes that he did receive the reports from the meetings of the 23rd of Shevat and the 25th of Adar.

The message of the letter is clear: favorable times must be recognized and used. Moments of opportunity should become seasons of growth, connection, and expanded Torah influence.