6251 —עיכובים, דאגות בריאות, וחובת הפצת חסידות

Delays, Health Concerns, and the Duty to Spread Chassidus

ט"ז אייר תשי"ח, May 6, 1958
The Rebbe responds after a long delay, addressing health concerns and urging the recipient to focus on their true mission: spreading the light of Torah and Chassidus. He emphasizes the importance of influencing others and assures blessings for both personal and communal matters.

ב"ה, ט"ז אייר, תשי"ח

ברוקלין

 

שלום וברכה!

לאחרי הפסק הכי ארוך נתקבל מכתבו - בלי הוראת זמן הכתיבה - (וגם מבלי ההמחאה שכותב אודותה).

ובעת רצון אזכיר אותו וזוגתו ובנם שי', על הציון הק' של כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר זצוקללה"ה נבג"מ זי"ע, כאו"א להמצטרך לו.

ובמ"ש אודות האפענדיק[1], אינו מובן מהו המהירות (איילעניש) לנתחו עכשיו, האם זהו דרישת הרופא או סתם כך הצעה בעלמא.

במ"ש אודות המצב בגשמיות - יש למצוא ידידים אשר ישפיעו להטבת הפרטים שהם המעיקים ומצירים. ויהי רצון שימים אלו שבין פסח זמן חירותנו ושמתקרבים לקבלת התורה, חרות על הלוחות א"ת חרות אלא חירות, יוסיפו בהצלחת ההשתדלות.

ומובן וגם פשוט, שעליו סו"ס להתחיל להתעסק בתפקידו האמיתי של כל אחד מישראל, מתאים לדבר המשנה, אני נבראתי לשמש את קוני, והוא ע"י הפצת נר מצוה תורה אור ומאור שבתורה זוהי תורת החסידות ועניני' - בכל מקום שידו מגעת, ובפרט שנמצא במקום שבהנוגע לתורת חב"ד הנה עד עתה נעשה שם דבר מועט ביותר בערך האפשרית שישנה, ולמרות שדוקא אנשים העומדים מבחוץ, מכריזים בכל עת מצוא שנמצאים שם פלוני ופלוני שהם "עמודי ברזל של כל עניני חב"ד", ופשיטא בענין עיקרי כהפצת המעינות, שאותה דורשים רבותינו נשיאינו בכל דור ודור, ובפרט כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר בדורנו זה, וק"ל. ויהי רצון שיבשר טוב בכל האמור, הן בענינים הפרטים והן בענינים הכללים, ואין לך דבר העומד בפני הרצון.

בברכה לבשו"ט,

מ. שניאורסאהן

  1. 1 Appenix

Letter 6251 – Guidance on Health, Community, and Mission

1. Acknowledging the Long Pause and Missing Details

The Rebbe begins by noting that after a very long interruption, he finally received the correspondent’s letter. The Rebbe subtly points out the delay, implying that he values regular communication and wishes to hear from his chassidim more frequently. He further observes that the letter arrived without a date, making it difficult to confirm when it was written. Additionally, the Rebbe mentions in passing that the check referenced in the letter was not included. These opening remarks highlight the importance of clarity and timeliness in correspondence.

2. Blessings for Family and Mention at the Holy Tzion

The Rebbe assures the writer that at an auspicious time, he will mention him, his wife, and their son — each one for whatever they need — at the holy resting place of his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe. This is a traditional expression of blessing and spiritual support, invoking merit on behalf of those mentioned.

3. Questioning the Urgency of Surgery

Addressing a concern raised about an appendix operation, the Rebbe expresses uncertainty about why there is such urgency to proceed with surgery. He asks whether this is a direct requirement from a doctor or merely a suggestion. The implication is that medical interventions should be carefully considered and only undertaken if truly necessary according to professional advice.

4. Advice Regarding Physical or Financial Hardships

The correspondent also wrote about difficulties in physical matters — possibly financial or health-related challenges. The Rebbe advises seeking out friends who can help influence an improvement in those specific areas causing distress or discomfort. Whether these are financial burdens or other hardships, turning to supportive friends may bring relief.

5. The Special Time Between Pesach and Shavuos

The Rebbe connects his blessings to the current period between Pesach — known as zman cheiruteinu, the time of our freedom — and Shavuos, when we receive the Torah. He references the teaching that while the Torah says God’s words were engraved (charut) on the tablets, our sages interpret this as freedom (cheirut). The Rebbe encourages adding effort during this spiritually significant time so that success will be deeply inscribed — not just written superficially but engraved into one’s life.

6. Emphasizing One’s True Mission: Spreading Torah and Chasidus

The Rebbe stresses that ultimately, every Jew must engage in their true mission as taught by the Mishnah: “I was created to serve my Creator.” This service is fulfilled by spreading ner mitzvah Torah or—the lamp of mitzvahs and light of Torah—and especially by disseminating Toras haChasidus, the teachings and inner dimension of Hasidus. The Rebbe urges involvement in spreading Yiddishkeit (Judaism), mitzvah observance, and Hasidus wherever possible.

7. Unique Opportunity in an Underdeveloped Community

The Rebbe notes that in this person’s location, very little has been accomplished so far regarding Chabad teachings compared to what could be achieved there. Despite others outside this community proclaiming its leaders as “metal pillars” of Chabad activities, both he and the recipient know that much more could be done. The Rebbe underscores that especially concerning spreading hafatzas hamaayanos—the wellsprings of Hasidus—this has always been a central demand from all Chabad leaders throughout generations, particularly emphasized by his own father-in-law in their generation.

8. Encouragement and Assurance: Nothing Stands Before Willpower

Concluding with encouragement, the Rebbe prays for good news both in personal matters and communal affairs. He reminds that our sages teach: “Nothing stands before willpower.” If one truly desires to accomplish these goals—whether improving health or advancing spiritual outreach—nothing can prevent success except lack of will. The message is clear: with genuine desire and effort, achievement is within reach.

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