6559 —שיפור המצב, תורה ומצות, ולקח אש"ל

B"H, 17th of Marcheshvan, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... And may it be G‑d's will that soon you will report further improvement in your situation, which will also bring an increase in matters of Torah and mitzvos in accordance with fulfilling the mission as stated in the Mishnah: "I was created to serve my Creator."

And regarding what was discussed last night at the gathering about the matter of the day—the weekly parsha: "And he planted an eshel in Be'er Sheva, and there he called in the name of Hashem, G‑d of the world. And Avraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days" (Bereishis 21:33-34), and afterwards came the test of the Akeidah (the binding of Yitzchak), etc.

Through the matter of tzedakah with all your might (which is the concept of Eshel—not only did he give travelers what they needed but also planted an orchard so there would be fruit for pleasure; even more so, he planted an inn so they would have every detail of hospitality; and further still, he established a Sanhedrin—this is the ultimate elevation even in spiritual matters; one sage said one thing and another said something else but they do not disagree).

Behold, he fulfilled the mission to dwell in Eretz Plishtim—this physical world—for many days. This represents the length of exile where every moment is like many days (the opposite of good things that are seen as just a few days), until reaching its purpose—the Akeidah: a test of actual self-sacrifice. And this is sufficient for understanding.

With blessings for good news.

Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 2, p. 660, and completed according to the copy of the secretariat. A similar text was written to several people.

What was discussed last night at the gathering (מה שנדבר אמש באסיפה): Of the askanim of the Tomchei Temimim yeshivos. Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 3, p. 769.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that continual improvement leads to greater Torah observance. Drawing from Avraham's example with Eshel—hospitality and charity—he emphasizes fulfilling one's mission even during exile through acts that elevate both physical and spiritual life.