6563 —גישה לנצחנות, מאבקים דתיים, ומסירות לתורה

B"H, 22 MarCheshvan, 5719.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... I received your letter from the 5th of Cheshvan in which you ask my opinion regarding attitudes toward matters of zealotry with trumpets and loud proclamations, etc. Of course you are correct that these are things a refined soul cannot tolerate, and fortunate is one who is spared from them. However, it is well known that our Torah in general and Chassidus in particular reject the attitude of "And I have saved my own soul," and if there is an opportunity to correct something, there is no choice but to take a stand—of course in ways that do not involve zealotry and the like.

This was also my intention in my previous letter to you; it is self-evident that I am not referring to the methods used by those who shout and make noise—especially since it is doubtful whether such methods will bring benefit in these matters—but rather to approaches connected with the talents you have been endowed with by Divine Providence, through which you have already succeeded in finding a path to the hearts of many circles and their echoes.

I will clarify my words. My intention is not so much regarding specific phenomena [such as mixed swimming pools, drafting women into the army, or questions about selling and raising non-kosher animals in Jerusalem the holy city, etc.], because in my view all these phenomena stem from a general approach of waging war against religion. It may be that for some of those fighting this battle their intent is against religious individuals or against a religious party as people rather than as holders of faith; but ultimately for those influenced and receiving guidance it makes little difference.

If my information is correct, then in recent years there has been a somewhat encouraging change in Eretz HaKodesh (the Holy Land) regarding this area: Some years ago there was a reaction against religion "from below," i.e., among youth and young adults, and those at the top were swept along—some willingly and some unwillingly. But specifically in recent years the youth have begun searching for a way back to faith and religion; even those among them currently opposed to practical mitzvos or Judaism do so more out of ignorance than true opposition. Unfortunately, those above them—their leaders—still cling to old methods and continue fighting against religion and its matters; from time to time this expresses itself in such phenomena as mentioned above and others like them.

It is not my role—and it is against my will—to enumerate their transgressions; especially since for those living in Eretz HaKodesh these matters are even more well-known and clear. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? Therefore anyone who acts promptly on this matter not only weakens existing negative phenomena but also prevents new issues from arising.

b) Regarding the end of your letter where you write that your soul desires Torah study etc., but what should someone do if he cannot manage two occupations at once: In this matter too—as with all aspects of life—there is clear guidance from our Torah of life: A mitzvah that cannot be performed by others overrides Torah study (Moed Katan 9b-10a).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one must act constructively for communal good rather than retreating into personal piety alone. Even when facing opposition or challenges within society, efforts should focus on positive influence using one's unique talents while prioritizing mitzvah obligations appropriately.