7284 —אחריות להשפיע על אחרים ולנצל את כל היכולות של האדם

B"H, 5 Iyar, 5720. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a long pause, your letter from before Rosh Chodesh Iyar was received. At an auspicious time, all those you wrote about will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehe nbagm zy"a.

It is understandable to be alarmed, in addition to being greatly surprised and astonished by the end of your letter, where you write that you have resigned from being etc., but continue to learn with three bochurim and an Avrech etc. Can it be believed that this is how one utilizes all the abilities required in a person's service as it ought to be? As is clear from our Sages' statement that the Holy One did not create anything in His world for nothing, it follows—and is obvious—that if one does not use all his abilities, it disrupts the entire creation and its order. Especially according to what is explained in the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov regarding Divine Providence: every detail fulfills a higher purpose. From this it is understood that if a detail—G‑d forbid—fails to utilize its potential, etc., it is difficult to elaborate on such a disturbing matter, especially for someone who merited for some time to serve as a mashpia on others in matters of Chassidus and conduct (whose foundation is joy and gladness of heart and therefore) with the greatest energy. Instead of this, his "good eye" is only for himself and others—as above—he learns with... three bochurim and one Avrech.

It is clear there may be room for you to write an excuse that so-and-so did not behave properly etc., but this does not exempt him at all from fulfilling Torah and its mitzvos—just because so-and-so does not behave properly in his matter. In general, the gates of excuses are never closed even when the issue remains difficult and unfounded.

May it be G‑d's will that at least immediately upon receiving this letter you will increase your influence in your surroundings—and first and foremost in the yeshivah...—in a manner of "ufaratzta" (you shall spread out) literally and simply without any pretexts. In addition to the obligation to increase every single day in today's "ufaratzta," there should also be compensation for what was lacking in the past—as explained at the end of chapter 9 of Igeres HaTeshuvah: he was accustomed etc.—and nothing stands in the way of willpower even regarding what was mentioned above...

Blessings for good news in all matters mentioned.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that each person must fully use their G‑d-given talents for positive influence on others. Excuses do not absolve us from our responsibilities; rather, we are called to expand our efforts daily and make up for any past shortcomings.