6569 —הגורמים המפריעים בעבודת החינוך כמעוררים כחות נוספים, והבטחת הנצחון למקושרי אדמו"ר הזקן

B"H, 27 Marcheshvan, 5719

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In reply to your letter of the 22nd of Marcheshvan, in which you write about the factors that interfere: it is my hope that the efforts from the opposing side (cf. לעמת זה "the one opposite the other," Koheles 7:14) arouse in those engaged in this work additional strength to fulfill their holy task. It is מלאכת שמים "the work of Heaven" (Eruvin 13a) — education in the purity of holiness, which brings the hearts of the Jewish people close to our Father in Heaven. This is akin to what is explained at the end of Igeres HaKodesh, section 25: such an awakening comes from this very matter itself, when one takes to heart and contemplates the descent of the Shechinah, as it were, etc.; see there. And we have been assured that because of this self-sacrifice (of the Alter Rebbe) for the teachings of Chassidus, it was decreed in the Heavenly Court that in every matter of Torah, fear of Heaven and good character traits, the hand of those bound to him and who follow in his footsteps shall prevail...

And as we approach the month of Kislev, the month of miracles and redemption, whose mitzvah of the day is the kindling of a lamp of light, in an ever-increasing manner, even though the sun has set (Shabbos 21b) — may it be G‑d's will that all this be fulfilled in the work mentioned above, בשמחה ובטוב לבב "with joy and gladness of heart" (Devarim 28:47).

With greetings to your colleagues in the holy work, to whom all the above words are also addressed.

With blessing for good news.

P.S.

Surely you are preparing a program for the days of the month of Kislev in general, and for Yud Kislev, Yud-Tes Kislev and Chanukah in particular; and may G‑d, blessed be He, grant you success in this too.

Summary

This letter teaches that opposition to holy work, rightly contemplated, becomes a source of new strength, and recalls the Heavenly promise that those bound to the Alter Rebbe will prevail. As Kislev approaches, the work should grow like the Chanukah lights, which increase even after sunset, and be done with joy.