6273 —חכמת משה, לימוד תורה לעומת גמילות חסדים, ולימוד חסידות

B"H, 25 Iyar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

The Avrech Hillel shiy'.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the thirty-ninth day of the Omer, in which you ask: (a) Regarding what is explained in Iggeres HaKodesh by our master the Alter Rebbe, section 19, on the statement of our sages "A sage is preferable to a prophet," that prophecy is a matter of vision—like seeing with one's physical eyes—whereas wisdom is a matter of comprehension: Did Moshe Rabbeinu, aside from his prophetic vision, also attain those levels reached by the Arizal? The answer is yes. Even though it might seem possible to say otherwise—especially regarding the revealed part of Torah, as related by our sages (Menachos 29b)—nonetheless, the truth is that he did attain those aforementioned levels. As written in Kabbalistic works and explained in Chassidus, Moshe Rabbeinu's level was that of Chochmah d'Atzilus (the wisdom of Atzilus), meaning he attained an extremely lofty level due to the aspect of wisdom. However, there is room for further inquiry regarding Moshiach; see Rambam Hilchos Teshuvah chapter 9 halachah 2; Tanchuma Toldos 20; Yalkut Shimoni to Yeshayahu 52:13; and this is not the place for full discussion.

(b) Regarding what is written there in Iggeres HaKodesh section 9 about the statement "Torah study equals all other mitzvos," but that this changes in Ikvesa d'Meshicha (the footsteps of Moshiach)—you ask how the essential importance changes. It is similar to the difference between a mitzvah whose time will pass and one that cannot be done by others: it is understood that when time runs short or no one else can perform it, the importance of the mitzvah changes. Although you do not mention this directly, I hope you have established regular times for studying Chassidus frequently. May it be G‑d's will that your commitment follows the saying of our master the Alter Rebbe—the author of Tanya (decisor in esoteric Torah) and Shulchan Aruch (decisor in revealed Torah)—that there should be not only consistency in time but also consistency within your soul—and this is most important. Surely you know about the three well-known daily lessons in Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya; at least keep up with them from now on.

With blessing,
In the name of His Holiness the Rebbe shlita
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe explains Moshe Rabbeinu's unparalleled spiritual achievements and clarifies how priorities between Torah study and acts of kindness shift based on circumstance. He urges establishing both regular times and heartfelt dedication to learning Chassidus daily.