The Proven Power of Chassidus

We are learning in the Holy Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 17, Letter 6,201. Baruch Hashem, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, 5718, Brooklyn.

This letter carries the same date as the previous one and begins almost identically. In fact, the opening content is nearly a duplicate of the prior letter.

The Rebbe writes: “Shalom u’Vracha. I hereby confirm receipt of your letter, which was delayed in transit far more than usual before it reached me. In your letter you write about your studies until now, and how you encountered members of the Chabad circle who introduced you to its teachings and its ways.”

Exactly as in the previous letter, the Rebbe continues with the teaching of our sages of blessed memory: “Great is study, for it leads to action.” Therefore, the Rebbe writes, it is his strong hope that this acquaintance—surely meaning that the student has already begun learning at least something of the teachings of Chassidus Chabad—should indeed lead to practical action.

That action means increased diligence, devotion, and dedication in the study of our holy Torah, both Nigleh and Chassidus. It means greater perfection in the observance of mitzvos, improvement of character traits, and positive influence upon friends in these matters.

The Rebbe adds that nothing can stand in the way of the will, especially in the case of a young man such as yourself, who has not yet become burdened with the worries of livelihood. You are able to dedicate all of your time and all of your energy to the study of our holy Torah, the Torah of life.

The Rebbe concludes this section with a blessing that you should share good news in all the above, and he blesses the student for Torah study, yiras Shamayim, fulfillment of mitzvos in a complete manner, and good tidings. The letter is signed in the name of the Rebbe by the Rebbe’s secretary.

Up to this point, the letter is essentially the same as the previous one. However, the postscript here is different.

In the previous letter, the Rebbe addressed the student’s question regarding his older brother and how to influence him. Here, however, the student asks various questions regarding Chassidic teachings. He has doubts, difficulties, or misunderstandings in certain concepts.

The Rebbe therefore advises him to turn to the elder Chassidim in his community and present to them all of his questions and uncertainties in detail.

The Rebbe explains that the nature of these matters is that one doubt leads to another doubt. In other words, when one question is answered, another may immediately arise in its place. Therefore, rather than engaging only in isolated questions from a distance, it is better to have someone nearby with whom one can speak openly, ask questions, and receive guidance in an ongoing way.

The Rebbe then gives a general answer to the student’s doubts.

He writes that the teachings of Chassidus have been active and influential for more than two hundred years. During those generations, there were certainly also those very same objections and doubts that now trouble the student. People questioned the importance of Chassidus and wondered what benefit it truly offered.

Yet history itself has given the answer.

The Rebbe points to the practical results seen over those two hundred years. The influence of Chassidus brought protection and spiritual strength in the many tests and challenges faced in the observance of Torah and mitzvos. Chassidus served like an immunization or a safeguard, fortifying people to remain steadfast in Torah life.

In addition, Chassidus improved the character traits of those who embraced it. It elevated interpersonal relationships, refined conduct, and positively shaped the way people related to one another.

The Rebbe writes that there can be no greater proof to the truth and value of an approach than the fact that it consistently produces good results. What stronger evidence could one ask for than something that has been tested across generations and repeatedly demonstrated its benefit?

The Rebbe adds another striking point. Even those who opposed this path in earlier generations did so before the long-term results were visible. Yet even they referred to it by the name “Chassidus,” and those who followed it were called “Chassidim.”

In other words, even the opponents called it by a name associated with righteousness and piety. This itself reveals something significant about the nature of the movement and those who followed it.

So in response to the student’s questions and doubts about why Chassidus is necessary and why it should be studied, the Rebbe gives two directives.

First, seek out elder Chassidim in your own community, with whom you can discuss your questions in an ongoing and personal way.

Second, look at the historical record. Since the revelation of Chassidus, it has strengthened Jews in times of challenge, reinforced Torah and mitzvah observance, refined character, improved relationships, and left a proven legacy of spiritual benefit.

That, the Rebbe says, is the clearest and strongest answer.