7403 —אמונה, הטעיה עצמית, והשפעת הבעש"ט

B"H, 15 Av 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Mar Yitzchak Damiel.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It has been a long time since I received a letter from you, though I do not know who "owes" whom. The main thing is that in the meantime the time has been utilized as much as possible, and I hope this is indeed the case.

You surely know about my "slogan" for this year; my hope and request is that everyone should increase their energy and use every possible means to spread the wellsprings outward.

Regarding the question asked of me—how do I know that this year is an auspicious one, etc.—if at the beginning of the year there was doubt about this, now that several months have passed we see clear evidence: the proclamation of the bicentennial year has found resonance and made an impression in many diverse circles.

Even though one could logically argue that this awakening did not necessarily come from religious or even Chassidic circles—those who live their lives in the spirit of the Baal Shem Tov even in years 199 and 198 after his passing—the blame does not lie with those being called upon by these proclamations but rather with those very Chassidic circles. This should be understood well.

It is clear that all of the above is also meant to inspire each one of us to add more energy—obviously and simply—in two ways: promoting and teaching within one's own circle, and influencing wherever one's reach extends to establish teachers of this Torah there as well.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of interest from religious circles regarding what was mentioned above, so far almost no one has strongly emphasized or outright rejected as absurd the well-known claim by some "enlightened ones" that supposedly the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples—may their memory be blessed—lightened (G‑d forbid) practical mitzvah observance. This mistake has caused many to stumble.

On this occasion I must acknowledge with thanks receipt of your book "Al HaSaph," which I naturally read with interest.

A general comment regarding your book—and apparently my perspective on this was not sufficiently highlighted in my previous response to your circle of influence—is that my core answer to their questions then (and similarly to those raised in your book) is: it is absolutely untrue that they do not believe at all.

An analogy: it is like someone claiming he does not believe in eating or drinking but eats and drinks several times a day. The proof is that human nature accepts conclusions whose authority is far less than some philosophical systems—not to mention compared to Jewish faith—and lives by those conclusions even when they involve life-threatening matters (for example: flying in an airplane). In fact, he considers anyone who does not act accordingly as abnormal or irrational.

This shows clearly that conclusions supported by much stronger evidence are certainly accepted and define a person entirely. There is nothing surprising if someone deceives himself into saying he does not believe when considering what he gains from such self-deception—mainly removing restrictions both regarding avoiding evil and doing good deeds.

This explains why such self-deception exists: it makes life easier for oneself by "exempting" oneself from fulfilling positive and negative commandments and living without restraint. These words apply at the beginning of straying from the path; but after living this way for some time—as human nature dictates—habit becomes second nature both regarding behavior and belief. By repeatedly telling himself he does not believe, eventually he convinces himself it is true.

The proof that this conviction is only superficial comes when a shocking event occurs that pierces his outer layers and touches his inner core; then he reveals his true self—that he does indeed believe. If you wish, all this can be found explained in Tanya chapter 19, as well as in Maamarim for Yud Shevat such as "Basi LeGani." It is somewhat surprising that your book does not even entertain such an idea; nor have I found it mentioned in your letters to me thus far.

In closing similar to my opening: I hope you publicize—and will continue to publicize—regarding the Baal Shem Tov, his personality, teachings, etc., and thank you in advance if you send a copy here. Obviously all this should also be shared with your circle of influence.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true faith lies within every Jew—even if outwardly denied—and urges us to counter misconceptions about Chassidus while actively spreading its teachings with renewed energy.