7142 —ניצול הזדמנויות להפצת תורה ופעולות ישיבת הערב

B"H, 7 Teves, 5720, Brooklyn.

HaAvrech HaVavac"h Iy"a Nu"n Harav Naftali HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hope you arrived safely in London, and I am interested to know if during your journey you met with Mr. Shneor Zalman Yaffe and B"H—since you were traveling on the same ship. Also, whether there was an opportunity in such a situation to spread the wellsprings outward, as we have discussed many times about the necessity to utilize every matter and opportunity in this direction.

Especially according to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, as explained regarding Jews who are lost in foreign lands (printed at the end of Likkutei Torah, Kehot edition). Additionally—and as an enhancement—I wish to remind you that during your stay in London you should certainly speak, besides conveying regards from here and about matters from the farbrengens here, regarding the evening yeshivas: about their good activities and great importance, and how this has brought about a fundamental change in the students and their entire environment, etc., etc. One should not act with excessive humility in this regard; for such things it is said 'Ve'eshalcha b'rechava' (I will walk at ease), especially when it has practical implications for the work and results concerning evening yeshivas in London.

It is well known how to evaluate such matters by considering from which side arguments arise (printed in Hayom Yom 23 Sivan). Clearly there is no contradiction here to what I spoke with you regarding evening yeshivas privately—since in matters of holiness we are commanded to ascend higher in holiness and never be satisfied with past or even present achievements.

In matters of holiness—as our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe writes in his Tanya (end of chapter 19): The level of head and intellect of lower levels is beneath even the heels and feet of higher levels. And he does not stop there but further establishes: "And as our Sages said: The feet of the Chayos correspond to all." This comes as an explanation on what was previously stated, even more emphatically: "All levels below are as nothing compared to those above." This is also the foundation for what I spoke with you about regarding the second stage in developing evening yeshivas.

With your G‑d-given talents—if you utilize them properly and with necessary energy—I hope that soon you will also reach this second stage. Regarding all this—the words of our Rebbe above should be applied; but obviously—and most importantly—not only that previous stages are 'as nothing,' but rather that the previous stage—the current state—is itself a level and degree of holiness so much so that it is called 'head and intellect,' etc., and this is clear.

If you find a day or two free, it would be appropriate for you to visit Manchester—especially its yeshiva—and convey my regards to Harav M. and R.Y., with my request for permission to convey my regards also to the students there. Of course my regards mean that you should share some Torah idea or inspiration heard at farbrengens. I rely on your understanding as to which topic you will choose.

With blessings for success in all of the above and for good news,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to seize every opportunity—even travel—to spread Torah values, share positive developments openly without false humility, continually strive higher in holiness, and inspire others by communicating successes for communal benefit.