6797 —עסקנות חב"ד בארץ ישראל, אחריות אישית, וגאולה

B"H, 4th of Nissan, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Purim and previous years, and in the meantime you have surely already received my letter which answers some of the matters you wrote about above...

Regarding what you wrote about the nature of Chabad activism in Eretz Yisrael (may it be rebuilt and established), it is well known that in such cases the instruction is that first and foremost each person must do everything dependent on him with the greatest energy. If one sees that someone else is not fulfilling his role in this area, on the contrary—this should add even more energy and strength to one's own activities. There are two reasons for this: simply because when one sees something lacking—even if it is in another's portion—he tries to fill what is missing; and further, according to Chassidus, since he was shown that a certain point is lacking, it is known from the Baal Shem Tov's teaching that it is clear this matter pertains to him personally, for nothing is shown without purpose. This is well understood.

A third additional point regarding all the above: we see tangibly the truth of our Sages' saying "A woman does not become jealous... and jealousy among scholars increases wisdom." It is clear and simple that what you wrote in your letter—that something does not find favor etc.—has no basis whatsoever. I have already written to several of Anash that any delay in my letters is only due to preoccupations and similar matters.

Since we have entered the month of Nissan—in which we are destined to be redeemed as stated by the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah ch. 15:11), where it also says that this redemption means leaving servitude of iron for servitude of Torah—and as explained in Tanya chapter 47 that matters of the days of Moshiach depend on our service during exile—it follows that now we must leave "servitude of iron" for servitude (i.e., where one acts only with difficulty or as a burden; but now this servitude should be servitude) of Torah and mitzvos. Especially strengthening Chabad institutions and matters in the area of education on pure holiness—for here Torah and mitzvos are united together—it is my hope that now you will add warmth, light, and vitality to all these activities, serving as a living example for other activists around you, besides also working with them through speech. Our Sages assured us: "You have labored and found," and it is well known that "found" means like a discovery—much more than could be expected from one's effort.

Blessings for good news in all the above and for a kosher and joyous Pesach.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that personal responsibility in activism remains paramount even when others seem lacking. By increasing our own efforts—especially in education—we help bring redemption closer and inspire those around us through action and example.