7345 —משוב על מאמרים אודות הבעש"ט ונושאים יהודיים

B"H, 25 Sivan, 5720.

Brooklyn.

The Avrech involved in tzt"z, Rabbi Emanuel sheyichyeh.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter with a series of articles about the Baal Shem Tov of blessed memory as well as other Jewish topics. Naturally, I was pleased that you are publicizing matters regarding the Baal Shem Tov—his teachings and approach. I hope there will be mutual benefit—not only for the readers but also for the writer—and it is understood that you will also send further installments; thank you in advance.

As is customary among Bnei Yisrael, I will also offer some comments on what has already been printed, since perhaps similar points will arise in future articles. In my opinion, it is worth considering printing the entire continuation as a separate booklet (of course with necessary improvements and changes appropriate to shifting from newspaper articles to a standalone booklet).

Here are my hurried comments, beginning with a general observation: You cite sources from various authors—sometimes even within the main text itself—including some whose mention may be questionable even as a footnote (even if not every reader pays attention to sources), all the more so in the body of the article. Especially regarding these topics you write about and quote from, it is best to bring sources only from those whose names and works are beyond any doubt. When you reread your articles you will surely understand whom I mean; in cases of doubt like this—be stringent—since your readers come from many different backgrounds.

b) In chapter two at the end of the section about Zohar: The citation (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 1:2) "Dayecha she'Ani u'Borecha yod'im kochacha" (It is enough that I and your Creator know your strength) needs correction.

c) In chapter four regarding "rooms," where you bring as testimony the memoirs of Shlomo Maimon—it is well known that he is not reliable in such matters since his animosity toward these subjects led him astray on many points.

d) In chapter five: As brought in letters published in HaTamim, no person ever met with the Baal Shem Tov on Erev Shabbat—the opposite of what is written that they studied together. Also at the end of that chapter, regarding what was preserved from an original handwritten letter by the Baal Shem Tov to his brother-in-law—my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, explained at length in his letter that these Genizah letters are copies and not original manuscripts.

e) Also at the beginning of section 26 there: Besides being stylistically inappropriate, content-wise it is impossible to write that from birth (or specifically from age ten) he did not wish to reveal anything about himself [in Likkutei Dibburim it says twenty-six years as a hidden tzaddik—that is meant from birth until age twenty-six; then ten years of study; then twenty-six years revealed].

All of the above is meant to encourage this endeavor since publishing in newspapers—and continuing this work—is very worthwhile.

Blessings for good news,
In the name of my revered father-in-law, may he live,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe values efforts to spread teachings about the Baal Shem Tov but stresses accuracy and careful sourcing due to a diverse audience. Constructive feedback aims to enhance both current and future publications for maximum positive impact.