Don’t Remain at the Edge of the Table

The holy letters of the Rebbe, Volume 17, letter number 6,198. Baruch Hashem, the 28th day of Nissan, 5718, Brooklyn. To the esteemed veteran and chassid, man of Hashem, Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Friedman of Montreal. Shalom u’vrachah.

The Rebbe writes that he received regards from him, as well as a pidyon nefesh that was delivered through the renowned chassid Rabbi Menachem Zev Halevi Greenglass. The Rebbe adds that at an auspicious time he will mention him at the holy tziyun of his father-in-law, the Rebbe.

The Rebbe then addresses something Rabbi Greenglass had reported: that Rabbi Friedman had attended the Purim farbrengen, but had stood only at the edge of the table, among the crowd, at the corner rather than in the center.

The Rebbe says that although in spiritual matters physical space does not truly create separation, and therefore one’s exact location should not make an essential difference, nevertheless physical sight and physical closeness are significant in many matters. Actually seeing, being present, and being near all have an effect. Physical proximity can help draw a person closer spiritually as well.

In other words, while spirituality is not limited by distance, there is still great value in being close, in participating fully, and in placing oneself in the heart of the experience rather than remaining at the margins.

The Rebbe continues that he heard from his father-in-law, in the name of the Baal Shem Tov, that when two people meet once, they will surely meet again. A first meeting creates the possibility and reality of a second.

Based on that teaching, the Rebbe expresses the hope that when they meet the next time, this matter too will be corrected—that Rabbi Friedman will no longer stand at the edge of the table, but will sit in the middle and be fully part of the farbrengen.

The Rebbe then turns to Torah study. He says he is certainly sure that Rabbi Friedman knows and observes the three daily lessons of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya, in addition to his other regular studies in both Nigleh and Chassidus.

The Rebbe adds that it would be proper for him to be fluent by heart in several chapters of Mishnayos and at least one chapter of Tanya.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for good news, for long days and good years, and for Yiddishe and chassidishe nachas from all of his descendants.

The message of the letter is both practical and uplifting: never remain only at the edge. In Torah, in farbrengens, and in spiritual life, one should strive to come closer, participate fully, and place oneself in the center of holiness and growth.