6201 —כוחה המוכח של חסידות ותוצאותיה המהפכניות

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter—which took much longer than usual to reach me—in which you write about your studies until now and how you met people from the Chabad circle who introduced you to its teachings and ideas. Since our Sages said, 'Great is study for it leads to action,' I strongly hope that this acquaintance—which surely means you have at least learned a bit regarding the teachings of Chabad Chassidus—has led to action; that is, an increase in diligence and devotion in studying our holy Torah, both the revealed and chassidic aspects, beautifying mitzvah observance, improving character traits, etc., and also influencing your friends in this. Nothing stands in the way of willpower—especially for an Avrech at your age who is not yet burdened with earning a livelihood and can devote all his time and energy to studying our holy Torah, the Torah of life. May it be G‑d's will that you share good news regarding all this.

With blessings for success in Torah study with awe of Heaven, for beautifying mitzvah observance, and for good tidings, in the name of the Rebbe shlita—secretary.

P.S. Regarding what you wrote about matters of Chassidus—that you have questions or lack understanding—turn to the elder chassidim in your area and specify your doubts. For by nature such matters are that one doubt gives rise to another; that is, when one doubt is resolved immediately another arises in its place or even two more. The general answer to your doubts is to look at reality: Chassidus has had its effect for over two hundred years; there were also those phenomena about which you now have doubts as to their nature—and we see the results and influence of this teaching: it has strengthened people against challenges in keeping Torah and mitzvos, improved people's character traits and their mutual relationships, etc. There is no better proof of a system's essence than seeing that it brings good results. This also proves that even those who opposed this system generations ago did so before they knew its outcomes; from the outset they called it 'Chassidus' and its followers 'chassidim.'

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Chassidus has a proven track record of positive transformation—both personally and communally—and encourages seeking answers from experienced chassidim while dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to Torah study and mitzvah observance.