7505 —ארבעה אופנים של קשר חסידי והוספה בתורה

B"H, 17 Kislev, 5721.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 9th of Kislev. As we find ourselves between two redemptions—the redemption of the Mitteler Rebbe and that of his father, the Alter Rebbe—which are also our redemptions (for indeed, "the body follows the head"), especially when speaking about their chassidim—that is, those who study their teachings and whose teachings also guide (and direct) them even to their practical actions. It is worth noting what my father-in-law, the Rebbe, said: there are four types in the relationship between a Rebbe and a chassid: (a) as teacher and student (influencer and recipient); (b) as a bond of attachment and complete unity through Torah and service; (c) as father and son; (d) as light and light (see Simchas Torah 5694, sec. 2). May it be G‑d's will that each one of us, together with all Israel, resolve to increase in Torah and mitzvos in general, and especially in spreading the wellsprings outward. May this resolution come into actual deed imbued with light and vitality, with joy and gladness of heart.

With blessings for the Festival of Redemption and for good news in all mentioned above.

Summary

The letter teaches that our connection to our leaders can take many forms—teacher-student, deep attachment through Torah and service, parent-child, or as light itself—and urges us to strengthen this bond by increasing in Torah study, mitzvah observance, and spreading Chassidus joyfully.