6513 —שמחה בעבודה, תשובה, ונתינת צדקה

B"H, 7 Tishrei, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

We acknowledge receipt of your letter from the eve of Rosh HaShanah, and surely it is unnecessary to emphasize that all thoughts which are contrary to joy and gladness of heart do not come from the yetzer tov (good inclination), as is explained at length in several places, including in Sefer Tanya Kadisha—as noted in the index at its end—and from the words of Rambam at the end of Hilchos Lulav. It is understood that even matters of teshuvah must specifically be done with joy and gladness of heart. As it is written there, this is one of the important points in serving Hashem—not just an enhancement but, in the language of Rambam, "a great service." To elaborate on such a simple matter is unnecessary.

Enclosed is a receipt from one of the funds of my father-in-law, the Rebbe—Nasi Yisrael—to give the money into one of his enterprises (unternehmungen), and it is best if it is among them. May Hashem fulfill what our Sages say (Bava Basra 15b): "One who takes a coin from Iyov is blessed," as it says about him: "A man who was wholesome and upright..." All these matters apply to my father-in-law, the Rebbe. That should suffice.

Your pan will be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. May Hashem help that very soon you will have good news regarding all the above—good that is visible and revealed—and most importantly with joy and gladness of heart.

With blessings for sealing in the Book of Life and a good and sweet year.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true service—even teshuvah—must be performed with joy. He encourages giving charity with happiness and assures that blessings come when mitzvos are fulfilled with a glad heart.