7534 —השפעה על ידי לימוד חסידות, תפילה, והדרכה בשאלות הלכתיות

B"H, 7 Teves, 5721. Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Moshe Halberstam

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the third night of Chanukah. At an auspicious time you will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), in accordance with the content of your letter.

As explained in many places, the channel and vessel for effecting and arousing the will of the one at rest at the gravesite is to follow in his ways and conduct. Therefore, my strong hope is that in addition to your established times for studying Chassidus—which you certainly already have—you will continue to add from time to time as per the instruction to always ascend in holiness. This will further increase your arousal in prayer and you will share good news regarding yourself and your family; for nothing stands in the way of willpower. May it be G‑d’s will that you also influence your environment—your friends and acquaintances—in this direction.

With blessings for good news.

In the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita.

Regarding your questions:

a) The source from our Sages cited in the additions to Torah Or at the end of Parshas Ki Sisa—that it was only with difficulty they permitted speaking words of Torah on Shabbos—I have already noted, as you wrote, that it is also brought at the end of Shaarei Yirah by Rabbeinu Yonah. It is known that several teachings from our Sages (especially from Yerushalmi) were available to earlier authorities but are not found in our editions. See also Yerushalmi Shabbos ch. 15 beginning halacha 3 (this source was noted by the Rogatchover Gaon—in Shut Tzafnat Paneach vol. II sec. 5). Zohar III p. 94b—it should not be interpreted as referring to study in thought since all these sources emphasize actual speech.

b) Birkat HaGomel for women—this has been discussed at length by later authorities as you also referenced in your letter. See Ketzos HaShulchan by Rabbi Naaeh sec. 65—and note the very puzzling custom among Sephardim in London where a woman recites it herself (cited in Keter Shem Tov by Rabbi Gagin).

c) Regarding the phrase "with the threefold blessing in Torah"—the letter bet (in "b'Torah") proves that its meaning is that the threefoldness is within Torah itself. See Keter Shem Tov regarding his comments on this matter; part was printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 21 p. 484 and part in vol. 22 p. 239 and completed based on a copy from secretariat records.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that following in the ways of our leaders opens channels for spiritual blessings and influence; increasing Torah study and prayer not only benefits oneself but also inspires others around us. Detailed halachic guidance is provided on contemporary questions.