7752 —הוספה בקדושה והשפעה על הזולת בח"י אלול

B"H, Chai Elul, 5721.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the organizers of the group traveling here during the Days of Mercy and Will, and for the Days of Mercy and Will—may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Based on our Sages' saying that we only urge those who are already eager, I am writing to point out that what was written last year regarding awakening in Torah and mitzvos connected with the trip here and its arrangements remains fully relevant this year as well. On the contrary—according to the command to always ascend in holiness, you will surely add even more this year, each one according to their own measure. We have been assured: whoever adds is granted more from Above.

In matters of goodness and holiness—even those involving the physical aspects of the Jewish people, a holy nation—a person is commanded to make them holy. The better one's situation is, the more one must increase further and further in light.

It is certainly unnecessary to point out that these matters also include influencing others. On the contrary: since "Ve'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha" (Love your fellow as yourself) is a great principle in Torah—and it is known from our master Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch—that "Ve'ahavta es Hashem Elokecha" (You shall love Hashem your G‑d) and "Ve'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha" are one concept. And this is clear.

As we stand on the birthday of two great luminaries—the Baal Shem Tov and Admor HaZaken—may it be G‑d's will that they illuminate our lives down to daily living regarding thought, speech, and action even below ten handbreadths. And may this too be in a manner of ever-increasing light until the prophecy is fulfilled: "The night will shine like day," through a person's service to his Creator from below upward—to transform darkness into light and bitterness into sweetness. The emphasis here is on transforming so that darkness and bitterness themselves become light and sweetness; thus it will be in the world—that worldly darkness itself will turn into light so that night itself will shine with the true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.

I await good news regarding all that was mentioned above and conclude with blessings for a good inscription and sealing for the new year.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every individual should continually increase in holiness—not only for themselves but also by positively influencing others—especially during auspicious times like Chai Elul. Growth must be ongoing until darkness itself becomes light with redemption.