7138 —על חשיבות ההשתתפות בהתוועדות י"ט כסלו בכפר חב"ד

B"H, during the days of Chanukah, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Harav vavac"h iy"a nu"m baal middot terumiyot oseik b-tzt"z anaf etz avot etc. HaRashaz Shazar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Although I have not received a personal letter from you for a long time, it is obvious that Anash write to me about this on their own, especially when I inquire about your wellbeing.

You will surely understand the surprise mixed with pain that I felt upon hearing that for the first time since the founding of Kfar Chabad, you did not participate in the Yud Tes Kislev farbrengen there.

It is unnecessary to elaborate to you about the great importance of this matter in all its details and especially about being present at the farbrengen of the Festival of Redemption in Kfar Chabad—particularly since this affects many people and touches upon the inner point of spreading the wellsprings, especially in this auspicious year: two hundred years since the passing-hilulah of the Baal Shem Tov, as I have emphasized several times in my letters this year.

It is also understood that I have no doubt there were important reasons for this. However, regarding others—it is human nature not to come and ask for explanations or to sit and wait for someone to come and resolve their questions; and most often, even if one explains the reason to them, they do not accept it because everyone invents and explains a reason according to their own spirit and perspective.

It is also clear that my intention is certainly not to rebuke you—G‑d forbid—and certainly not to cause you distress—G‑d forbid. But since in all such matters it is certain that 'the opposing side' (through people who advise) intervenes in between—and as my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Maharash said: 'Sometimes he dresses up as a perfectly righteous person with good character traits' (this idea is quoted fully in Hayom Yom, 23 Sivan)—it is possible that this was also so in this case and caused your absence from the farbrengen. And indeed, 'the opposing side' may again disguise itself as described above and disrupt such matters in the future; therefore I am writing this letter. My strong hope is that next time he will not succeed—especially since the merit of many assists you in utilizing your influence in spreading the wellsprings.

I repeat my blessing once again and join with many who bless you on your reaching seventy years. According to what was customary by my revered father-in-law (who said it was an ancient custom) that from one's thirteenth birthday a Bar Mitzvah boy has a connection with Psalm 14 of Tehillim, and so each year consecutively—when you reach seventy years old, your corresponding Psalm is Psalm 71. May it be G‑d's will that be fulfilled for you the words of David—the sweet singer of Israel: 'And even until old age and gray hair, O G‑d do not forsake me until I declare Your strength to a generation, Your might to all who are to come.'

With honor and blessing for good tidings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches here about overcoming obstacles—both internal and external—to participation in communal spiritual events like Yud Tes Kislev farbrengens. He emphasizes their impact on spreading Chassidus and offers heartfelt blessings on reaching significant life milestones.