6193 —נהיגת מנהגי יום טוב מקומיים וסדר לימוד ספר התניא

B"H, 24th of Nissan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Havav"ch iy"a nu"n etc. Yaakov Meir

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter—without a date of writing—in which you ask: a) A son of Eretz Yisrael who traveled with his family abroad, how should he conduct himself regarding the second day of Yom Tov observed in the Diaspora? Our practical and straightforward custom is to follow the custom of the place one has come to, especially when arriving with one's family. The same applies in reverse: a person from abroad who travels with his family to Eretz Yisrael follows the custom of Eretz Yisrael. This applies even if there is an intention to return after some time to one's original place (for if one traveled with the intention to settle permanently, what would be the question?).

b) Regarding an order for beginners studying Sefer HaTanya—even though I have not heard a clear directive on this, it seems to me (and this is how I answer those who ask) that one should begin with Iggeres HaTeshuvah, then Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, then Part One (Sefer Shel Beinonim), and finally Iggeres HaKodesh. Of course, this refers to beginners; but after studying once or twice, from then on one studies in order—as is also evident from the printed study guide arranged by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe. It is also simple: after all, this is how the sections are called—one, two, etc. It is worth noting from Chassidic stories that initially there was an opinion that Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah should precede Sefer Shel Beinonim; proof was brought from the language in the introduction to Shaar HaYichud (“as will be explained”), but these matters are clarified in Sefer Shel Beinonim.

I am surprised you do not mention anything about your efforts in spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward until they reach even further. I believe I have already written you several times that this is both a demand and a necessity of our times—as explained in the writings of the Arizal and especially to his distinguished student Rav Chaim Vital in his introduction to Shaar HaHakdamot—these are astonishing and wondrous words.

With blessing for good news.

In the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one should adopt local customs regarding Yom Tov observance when traveling with family and provides practical guidance for beginners learning Tanya. He stresses the urgent importance of spreading Chassidus as taught by earlier sages.