6329 —התגברות על יאוש וחשיבות פעולה חיובית

B"H, 23rd of Sivan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter—Pidyon Nefesh—without indication of when it was written, which is full of complaints and describes your situation in the darkest colors. It is surprising that for the moment you have forgotten the words of our master, the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya—decisor in the hidden aspects of Torah—and the Shulchan Aruch—decisor in the revealed aspects—in his holy book Tanya, that any matter of despair and sadness is from the enticements and strategies of the yetzer hara to confuse a person from serving the Creator.

It is also explained there that "according to the camel is its load," and each person is given the ability, strength, and possibility to follow the path of Torah and mitzvah and to go from strength to strength.

Regarding what you wrote about needing a light or lantern to illuminate a dark path—the path is not dark at all. The matters are clarified in detail in Shulchan Aruch and Chassidus books; even regarding specific details where the yetzer casts doubt, there are many pieces of advice for this as well.

Two main pieces of advice: (a) It is known from Admur HaEmtza'i's saying—to have a good friend with whom to discuss spiritual matters; then it is two divine souls against one animal soul. (b) To examine from which side an obstacle comes—in anything beneficial that leads to actual service, any hindrance—even if it comes from something very lofty—is only from the strategies of the animal soul (see Hayom Yom 23 Sivan).

May it be Hashem's will that immediately upon receiving this letter you completely divert your mind from sighs and increase in positive actions. As our Rebbeim said: one positive action is better than a thousand sighs; how much more so several good actions compared to sighing. In a short time you will see that your description in your letter was completely mistaken—provided you study diligently, keep yeshiva schedules, and also influence your friends in this regard.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above,
In the name of His Honor, our Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

P.S. Surely you know about the three well-known daily study portions—Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya—and at least keep them from now on.
See also Likkutei Sichos vol. 24 p. 524; Admur HaEmtza'i's saying: see also above Igros no. 6264 and references there.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that despair stems from negative influences meant to hinder spiritual growth. By focusing on positive actions, maintaining Torah study routines, seeking supportive friendships, and discerning true obstacles, one can overcome darkness and move forward with strength.