7371 —הנהגת הסמינר, חסידות, והתמודדות עם התנגדות

B"H, Bein HaMetzarim, may they be transformed to joy without boundaries, Brooklyn, NY. 5720.

Harav Moshe sheyichyeh, known as Dr. Munk

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter regarding the seminar in Kfar Chabad in due time. My reply was delayed because not all matters were clear then—as the Mishnah says: "If you are idle—many will be idle." The clarification took much longer than I anticipated.

But just now I have received word that in many areas matters there have already been arranged, and I strongly hope that the remaining points will also be resolved. Most importantly, the matter has already been arranged according to your request: a special director has been appointed—Mr. Shmuel sheyichyeh Chafer—and I hope you know him personally as well. From what I know of him through his letters, there is every reason to expect that with G‑d's help he will succeed in his holy work of education in purity at the seminar and do so in an ever-increasing manner.

On a related note—even though for someone like yourself this likely needs no special urging—since we are commanded "do not urge except those who are already diligent," and Torah scholars need strengthening, I will not refrain from expressing my strong hope once again that you will assist in all matters of the seminar as much as possible—and even more.

As per the saying of my revered father-in-law (the previous Rebbe), which was often on his lips: when a Jew decides to do an act of charity (literally or spiritually), even if at the moment of decision it is beyond his ability, Above they open for him a special channel and source so he can fulfill his good resolution.

I will close as I began—with an apology for my delayed reply until now. With honor and blessing for good news.

I cannot refrain from mentioning at this opportunity the auspicious time we find ourselves in—the two-hundredth year since the passing-hilulah of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov, founder of general Chassidus. Even though I do not know your relationship to this—and it seems that Frankfurt education did not generally have any established connection to it (which is somewhat surprising), since R' Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz (the Baal HaFlah), Av Beit Din of Frankfurt am Main was one of the great students of Rav Dov Ber (the Maggid), successor to the Baal Shem Tov—even so, I strongly hope that in our times there is no longer any place for opposition at all; after all, practical experience shows—and everyone agrees—that Chassidus and its guidance increase love and awe of G‑d, which are foundational for fulfilling all positive and negative commandments (as explained in Tanya ch. 4). See also Rambam Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah beginning ch. 2 with commentary there.

Also note regarding opposition during the Baal Shem Tov's time and the decree then—which was specifically done with revealed reasoning; see there (Le., A:1), and it is understood.

I hope that also within your sphere and wherever your influence reaches you spread these Torah teachings—for the merit of many assists you.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages active support for Jewish education initiatives and emphasizes spreading Chassidus as a source of increased love and awe of G‑d. He teaches that sincere resolutions to do good are met with Divine assistance beyond one's natural capacity.