6475 —ספק באמונה, דכאון, והאמונה הפנימית שבתוך האדם

B"H, 15 Elul, 5718.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

And finally, most importantly: In response to what you wrote first in your letter—that when there is not sincere emunah in the heart, etc., and therefore one is in a state of depression, etc.—I heard a story from my revered father-in-law the Rebbe that once a chassid complained to the tzt"z about having doubts in emunah. The tzt"z asked him: "What does it matter to you?" The chassid answered with great emotion: "How can you ask what does it matter to me? Of course it matters!" Then the tzt"z said: This itself is proof of your state—that you do believe, etc.

As with all stories of tzaddikim, there are many lessons to learn from this one. Regarding our present case—the worry over lacking sincere emunah—this itself is proof that it exists deep within the soul; it’s just that something covers over it or, as Chassidus puts it, there’s an interruption between the inner and outer self. When one knows this is the case, this awareness directs one's avodah toward removing and nullifying that barrier.

But obviously not through depression—which only weakens one's energy and actions—will the barrier be removed or even lessened; on the contrary.

May it be G‑d’s will that what I wrote in my previous letter be fulfilled for you: that you serve Hashem with joy and gladness of heart. Especially since even for someone like yourself this does not prevent contemplation of negative aspects (as explained in Tanya); rather, it’s a shame to waste time that could be used for matters on the right side by spending it dealing with the left side if it is as if asleep and not effective.

Blessings for good news and for being inscribed and sealed for good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that concern over one's faith is itself evidence of inner emunah. Depression weakens spiritual progress; instead, focus on positive action and serving Hashem with joy leads to removing barriers between inner faith and outward expression.