6521 —הדרכה על המשך עבודה בקודש לנוכח קשיים

B"H, 12 Tishrei, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from before Rosh HaShanah, which was received during days when the time did not allow for answering a matter requiring study — and please accept my apologies for the delay in replying,

in which you write about your work and your sacred position in ..., and about the difficulties you face, etc., and as though you are in doubt whether to continue working there or to move your residence to another city, etc.,

My opinion is clear [based on what we have heard many times in such cases from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory]: that you should continue your sacred work in your present place — especially since a movement for the good is already evident, and not only a movement but also a tangible change; and this further strengthens the above simple point, that your leaving there is liable to destroy and nullify all the achievements until now. And certainly there will be those who will interpret the departure from there as a retreat and a flight from the field. And surely to one such as yourself the nature of balebatim and the rulings of balebatim is well known (see the Sema and Nesivos HaMishpat on Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat, siman 3, se'if 4). And may your trust be strong that in the end you will succeed in establishing the community on its proper footing, and as our Sages say (in the Zohar and the Midrash): "I am asleep in exile, but my heart is awake to the Holy One, blessed be He, to His Torah and His mitzvos."

We have now entered a new year—a complete year, a leap year, a Shemitah year about which it is said "Shabbat laHashem" (see Ramban's commentary there).

With honor and with blessings for success in all of the above for good news and a joyous holiday.

Summary

The Rebbe advises steadfastness in one's sacred mission despite obstacles, emphasizing that perseverance leads to lasting achievements and that leaving prematurely can undo progress. Trust in G‑d's help is key, especially at the start of an auspicious new year.