Letter 6192 – True Growth Comes from Within, Not by Changing Place

The Rebbe responds to a father who wanted to send his son abroad to learn in yeshivah. He explains that merely changing location does not remove challenges, since the yetzer hara travels with a person. Real success comes through inner עבודה, proper guidance, and recognizing that a Jew’s destiny is directed by Hashem, not by “luck.”

The holy letters of the Rebbe, volume 17, letter number 6,192. Baruch Hashem, dated the 24th day of Nissan, 5718, Brooklyn.

Shalom u’vrachah.

The Rebbe writes that he is responding to your letter of the 13th of Nissan, together with the pidyon nefesh that was enclosed. He notes that he will read it at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of his revered father-in-law, the Rebbe.

The Rebbe then addresses the matter mentioned in the note: your thought that your son, sheyichye, should come here to study in the yeshivah.

The Rebbe writes that he does not approve of this idea. He adds that he has already written to many Chassidim in similar cases, explaining that such thoughts are often merely the persuasion of the yetzer hara, whose purpose is to confuse a person and prevent calm, proper reflection.

The Rebbe cites the expression sadin d’ara chad hu — the ground of the earth is one. In other words, simply changing countries or locations does not solve one’s inner struggles. The yetzer hara is not left behind when one travels; it accompanies a person wherever he goes.

On the contrary, when a student remains near home, there is the added supervision and support of the parents alongside the guidance of the yeshivah administration. When he travels far away, that additional support is lost.

The Rebbe notes that our sages indeed said, “Exile yourself to a place of Torah.” However, that teaching refers to a person’s willingness to sacrifice comfort and convenience for Torah study. It does not apply in the way imagined here.

The Rebbe then comments on expressions such as, “This is my luck,” or “My fortune is that I cannot come.” He writes that he is surprised to hear such language, especially from Chassidim and yeshivah students.

Our sages taught, Ein mazal l’Yisrael — there is no independent “luck” governing the Jewish people. A Jew’s life is not ruled by chance or fortune, but by Hashem’s direct providence.

The Rebbe adds a deeper interpretation: the true “mazal” of a Jew is Ayin — the Divine source beyond ordinary perception. A Jew’s success and direction come from Hashem alone.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news in communal matters and personal matters, noting that the two are connected: when there is blessing in matters of the community, this also brings blessing in one’s personal life.