7494 —הדרכה על תפלה, התבוננות, ולימוד עבור תלמיד ישיבה

B"H, the 5th of Kislev, 5721. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 24th of Marcheshvan and those that followed.

a) The manner of prayer in your situation: On Shabbos and Yom Tov, you may prolong (at first a bit), but on weekdays for now focus only on the meaning of the words, since you are bound by the yeshiva schedule. Also note, as you wrote in your letter, from the kuntres on prayer regarding this.

b) The manner of meditation before prayer, especially so that you can prolong your prayer as above: Since in this matter meditation (not study or acquiring new knowledge) is involved, it is better to meditate on a topic you have already learned several times and know well. The meditation should be either in greater depth or reviewing the knowledge and expanding it regarding its practical outcome or character traits, etc. In this there is a difference in people's natures: some absorb meditation better when repeating the subject in the words of their teacher; others—on the contrary—when repeating the content rather than the exact words.

c) Bringing meditation to affect good character traits etc.: In addition to the fact that in most cases every meditation brings about some improvement in a particular trait—there is an aspect common to all: since the meditation is about matters of Torah of G‑d, there will always be something gained regarding G‑d's greatness as well as increased awe and wonder; that is, also in the second point—the humility of man (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim at the beginning of section 98). As above, this is common to all; one can find in every meditation also something specific for a particular trait.

d) Connecting thought to the subject—for an important period: As with all matters of Torah and holiness, here too it is said "me'at me'at agarsheinu" (little by little I will drive them out), meaning that initially one accustoms oneself to connect one's thoughts for a short while and gradually increases. To make this easier—as above—by having the book or siddur open before him at those passages he is thinking about.

e) The avodah of Krias Shema al haMitah: In addition to what applies generally—a review from "machshava dibur u'maaseh" (thought, speech and action) of the day that passed—there are details relevant to each individual depending on their soul's nature and their state in Torah and mitzvos etc.; sometimes one needs encouragement and uplifting spirit and sometimes the opposite direction; similarly with more specific matters.

f) How to divide time between learning Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus: It is understood and obvious that first one must learn according to yeshiva schedule—hours for Nigleh separately and hours for Chassidus separately—and during times outside this schedule—in addition to the three known daily portions (Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya), as well as necessary halachic study—it depends on what his heart desires, especially regarding learning in depth.

At an auspicious time you will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, our master teacher and Rebbe zatzal for fulfillment of your heart's wishes concerning those matters you write about. May it be G‑d's will that you share good news about all these things.

Blessings.

P.S. The above are only general guidelines even after being detailed. For particulars or very specific details present your issues before your personal mashpia who will advise you according to the tradition passed down among mashpi'im of Tomchei Temimim from generation to generation.

Summary

The Rebbe outlines practical steps for meaningful prayer and meditation tailored to individual temperament while stressing gradual progress. He encourages consulting one's mashpia for personalized guidance beyond general instructions.