6579 —חרישת שמיטה, ברכות, והפצת חסידות בכסלו

B"H, 4th of Kislev, 5719.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Michael Aryeh Yehuda Leib HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 28th of Cheshvan and previous ones, I am sure my reply to your wife has already been received.

Regarding what you wrote about the matter of plowing during the seventh year, which is the Shemitah year: it is astonishing that a Jewish person would be involved in this. Even those who are lenient did not permit such work by a Jew. The proof that someone is engaged in this—unfortunately, in our era of doubled and redoubled darkness—cannot serve as justification; with such reasoning one could G‑d forbid transgress the entire Torah.

Thank you very much for your blessing at the end and conclusion of your letter. Certainly, the Creator's promise "I will bless those who bless you" will be fulfilled for you. The greatness of this is explained in the discourse "Amar Rabbi Yavol: Every Kohen who blesses is blessed" (Sefer HaMaamarim 5629, published there; see there).

Blessings for good news,

M. Schneersohn

P.S. Surely a detailed plan is being prepared to utilize the days of Kislev in general and especially the bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev for spreading the wellsprings—even reaching outward.

Summary

The Rebbe strongly warns against plowing during Shemitah even if others do so and urges making concrete plans to spread Chassidus during Kislev—especially on Yud-Tes Kislev—while expressing gratitude for blessings received.