6334 —הוספה בלימוד חסידות והבהרת מקורות התורה

B"H, 24 Sivan, 5718. Brooklyn.

Havavach iy"a nu"n etc. Ephraim Grinblat

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 20th of Sivan, and in the margin you will find my response regarding what you raised in your letter. It is surprising that you do not mention setting fixed times for studying Chassidus; surely you have increased in this as well since your last letter, since there is a clear directive to always increase in holiness—especially regarding Torah study. As the holy Zohar says (I:12b; see Torah Or by our master the Alter Rebbe, beginning with "Mi KaHashem Elokeinu" and its explanation), one must make it possible for her (the Torah), and I am sure you will fulfill this at the next opportunity.

Blessings for good news.

Regarding your notes: A-B: In Tanya chapter 39 and its explanation, as well as in his Shulchan Aruch, Laws of Torah Study ch.4 sec.3—when the kelipah overpowers his Torah study, teshuvah is required to restore and elevate it; then there is no need to learn it again, for this is the concept of teshuvah elevating matters and sparks.

C) Regarding how Amram remarried Yocheved and the reason: There are differing Midrashic opinions: (a) Through Miriam's argument that his decree was harsher etc.—from which it is understood that the remarriage had to be public to nullify his decree so that all would remarry (Sotah 12a; Pesikta Rabbasi ch.43). (b) Through a command from Above to Amram, done privately (Zohar II:19a). The words of Ohr HaChaim (Bamidbar 3:39) are based on Zohar as explained in commentary.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes continually increasing one's study of Chassidus and clarifies nuanced points about teshuvah in Torah study as well as differing Midrashic perspectives on biblical events. Consistent growth in learning brings spiritual elevation.